Even as the NCAA wrapped up a marathon three-day hearing this past weekend involving USC and allegations that Reggie Bush received illegal benefits while at the school, there is no indication as to what if any sanctions the Trojans may face when the final report is released in 6-10 weeks.
In the interim, the football program and its new members continue to put the best face on the situation ahead of any announcements.
Speaking to the Orange County Register, defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator/really loud dude Ed Orgeron said he was not the least bit concerned about leaving Tennessee with Lane Kiffin and moving back west to a school that could be facing serious sanctions from the NCAA.
Why? Because of the pristine nature of the USC program, of course.
“No, not whatsoever,” Orgeron told the Register when asked if he was at all concerned about the NCAA issues.
“Having been at USC for seven years, I know the way we operate. There was never, ever a concern about the NCAA because I know that USC does it right.”
Orgeron also admitted that the NCAA “issues” also came up as they visited the homes of potential recruits. He said that “the power of USC” was more than enough to overcome any uncertainty the players and their families may have had.
“We don’t have any control over what’s going to go on,” Orgeron said. “Obviously, we came here, and we thought everything was going to be fine, having spoken to several people. ... It came up in the homes, but the power of USC and the power of our staff overcame all that. Everybody had a little trust and faith that everything’s going to be fine.”
And for those thinking about striking out the word “power” in the above quote and replacing it with the word “money”, don’t do it. It’s an unfair insinuation that does nothing but a disservice to the university.
I forbid you from doing it. Seriously.