Criticism of USC DC Justin Wilcox reportedly at core of spat between LenDale White and Pat Haden

“You can win championships for this program,” former USC running back LenDale White told the Los Angeles Times Saturday, “but you can’t voice your opinion.”

That opinion White is talking about is the opinion the former Trojan holds of USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox. White tweeted the following during last Saturday’s game with Arizona, which USC eventually won on a last-second missed field goal.

Yo our defensive coordinator is fuckinh horrible. Who is he

— LenDale White (@THEREAL_LENDALE) October 12, 2014

I don’t give a fawk fire his ass today. Do him like they did lane. Fire his ass before he get on the plane

— LenDale White (@THEREAL_LENDALE) October 12, 2014

Sark ur friend making u look horrible. The same shit he did @ uw like they were good — LenDale White (@THEREAL_LENDALE) October 12, 2014

Fast forward to Saturday. According to InsideSoCal.com, athletics director Pat Haden - no stranger to sideline drama - confronted White about his tweets, and the two began arguing. Following USC’s 56-28 defeat of Colorado, White tweeted the following:

I can’t believe @ADHadenUSC kicked me out of #thecoli shook my hand then had me escorted out. I’m still at a loss for words!!!

— LenDale White (@THEREAL_LENDALE) October 19, 2014

I can’t believe this 💩💩 for the 1st time in my life I’m truly embarrassed to b a #TROJAN I’ve done Wayy to much to b treated like that 😏😏

— LenDale White (@THEREAL_LENDALE) October 19, 2014

The USC athletics department denies Haden kicked White out of L.A. Coliseum. Reached on the field following the game, White told the L.A. Times, “I’ve never met some of these coaches. I’ve never been a part of them. I am a Trojan 20,000%. I back them 120%. I just get emotional during football games. I’m sorry.”

Minutes later, White had changed his mind. “I feel that exact same way as I did last week,” White said, before the paper quoted him shouting, “Fire Sark tonight.” Again, this was minutes after USC won a conference game by 28 points. It’s also worth noting Sarkisian was USC’s quarterbacks coach during White’s freshman and junior seasons.

“I think LenDale is a passionate guy,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said of his former running back. “He loves USC. We all want to win. We are all passionate about what we do. It is what it is.”

What’s the purpose of having an opinion if I can’t voice it??!!

— LenDale White (@THEREAL_LENDALE) October 19, 2014

Indeed, Mr. White. Indeed.