Trojans could again be in hot water with the NCAA

Stop me if you heard this one before...

Already the subject of an NCAA investigation into the “activities” of Reggie Bush while he was at Southern Cal, the Trojans could find themselves in even more deep feces with the collegiate athletics governing body.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, a vehicle connected to running back Joe McKnight is the subject of an internal investigation that could ultimately land on the desk of the NCAA pending the school’s findings.

At question is a 2007 Land Rover that McKnight was seen driving around the campus by a Times reporter. The vehicle is registered to a Scott Schenter, who is the boss of McKnight’s girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child.

Schenter, 47, has a background that includes marketing, and a company he owned registered a website called 4joemcknight.com. It is unclear whether Schenter has any ties with USC or the school had knowledge of his activities.

McKnight, a junior who led the Trojans in rushing this season and is seriously considering making a jump to the NFL, denied to the Times that he has ever driven the vehicle or that he has any knowledge of the vehicle other than riding around in it.

“I never talk to her about it,” he added. “I just see it whenever my girlfriend’s around with my kid. I ask no questions. I just do what I got to do.”

Later, McKnight again reiterated that he’s Sgt. Schultz in the whole Land Rover imbroglio.

“I never drove the vehicle, I’ve never driven it. I know I can’t drive cars I’m not supposed to. If somebody said they spotted me driving, they’re seeing wrong. I don’t even have the keys. ... I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m just being a football player and a father to my child.

“I won’t break any rules because I know if I do I can’t get on the football field. I’m trying to keep my life secure and stay on the football field.”

Given the fact that the school is already knee-deep in an NCAA investigation into not only Bush but former basketball player O.J. Mayo as well, the NCAA will likely not look too kindly on yet another incident involving the school.

An NCAA spokesman told the Times that at least two by-laws could’ve been broken based on what is currently known about the situation.

NCAA by-law 12.3.1.2 says that a student-athlete shall be ineligible if he, or relatives or friends, accepts transportation or other benefits from agents or marketing representatives. NCAA by-law 12.1.2.1.6 prohibits preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual’s athletics reputation or skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete.

With all of that being said, it’s believed this investigation -- provided it reaches the NCAA -- should conclude in or around 2019. At the earliest.