Another reason to love the Pac 10

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncb/news/story?id=4792634



USC has imposed sanctions on its men's basketball program for NCAA rules violations, including a ban on postseason competition at the end of this season, a reduction of scholarships and vacating all of its wins from 2007-08.



The university said the self-imposed sanctions resulted from an internal investigation that found NCAA rules violations related to O.J. Mayo, who played for the Trojans during the 2007-2008 season under former coach Tim Floyd. Mayo is now with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.



The sanctions are connected to Mayo's involvement with Rodney Guillory, who under NCAA rules became a USC booster due to his role in Mayo's recruitment.







and the Reggie Bush payoffs are still under investigation............

If I understand the process correctly these are USC sanctions, then it goes back to the NCAA and they either accept what USC has done or adds to it. Looks like USC has been pretty hard on its self to try to preempt anything the NCAA would do.



Go Cougs!



L Hatton

Louisville KY

What's sad is those involved aren't in the program anymore so they won't be around to feel/learn from the punishments.

Outch...sucks for those currently on the team. I bet the current regime won't be trying anything.

Well, whatever makes you LOOK like you're tough on yourself, that way the basketball team takes the heat and the football team keeps on being the NFL-Junior.

I think it means that USC is trying to coverup a bigger investigation and scared to death what the NCAA might do to them. It's a pre-emptive strike to avoid nuking the athletic department.

craigoscarson wrote:
I think it means that USC is trying to coverup a bigger investigation and scared to death what the NCAA might do to them. It's a pre-emptive strike to avoid nuking the athletic department.

What I find interesting is the timing and severity of their self imposed punishment.



They announce in the middle of the basketball season that they will not be going to any postseason tournaments this year. Keep in mind that they knew about these violations well before the season started. A postseason ban is rarely imposed on a program anymore.



So it's a brilliant move by USC. Announce that you are not going to the tournament in the middle of the season so the current players can't transfer, but the postseason ban for 1 year won't impact recruiting.



On a side note, since 2006 there have been only 3 schools to have a top 25 football team and a men's basketball team in the NCAA tournament each school year: USC, Texas, and BYU. It looks like that will continue for BYU and Texas, but it comes to an end for USC.