Self Imposed Sanctions Sure To Hinder USC Basketball Program

Sports News - January 4th, 2010 - Written By Bryan

The University of Southern California has placed self-imposed sanctions on their men's basketball program following the discovery that the team had violated NCAA regulations during the 2007-2008 season.

The story stems from former player O.J. Mayo and his relationship with a man named Rodney Guillory. Guillory is alleged to have given Mayo "improper benefits" during Mayo's tenure at USC according to ESPN.

It was on ESPN's popular show "Outside the Lines" two years ago that a source close to the situation, Louis Johnson, brought up the allegations between Guillory and Mayo.

Tim Floyd was the coach for USC during Mayo's time at the program. Floyd resigned from his position after he was accused of giving Guillory $1,000 to help with the recruitment of Mayo. At the time, Mayo was a highly-ranked recruit coming out of high school.

Mayo now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA and when asked about the situation at USC, ESPN was directed to his agent, LaPoe Smith. When reached, Smith only informed ESPN that his client "will have no comment at all."

Under the sanctions, USC will forfeit all wins from the 2007-2008 season, in addition to losing scholarships and not playing in the post-season this year.

"I hope the NCAA doesn't come down harder than this. I feel bad for the [current players] and everyone who is going to have to go through this difficult period for their basketball program. It was never my intention to bring down the USC basketball program," Johnson said to ESPN.

Current USC head coach Kevin O'Neil said that the current players were "stunned, shocked, disappointed" when they first heard about the schools' decision of the self- imposed sanctions.

"I told them what the situation was and it was our expectation that they do the best job they can in the classroom and on the court moving forward," O'Neill remarked to ESPN. "Nothing changes in our daily lives; it's just unfortunate that our last game is March 6th."

Larry Scott, commissioner of the Pac-10 conference said in a statement that the university, the conference, and the NCAA have all been working with each other to figure out and resolve the issue.

"USC's decision to self-impose aggressive penalties on itself is clear recognition of how seriously the university takes this matter and the sincere commitment of the athletic department, university leadership and new coach Kevin O'Neill to correct mistakes that were made in the past and to set the program on a track to maintain the highest standards expected of every institution in the Pac-10 and the NCAA," Scott said in a statement to the AP.

This NCAA Basketball Season, the Trojans are 10-4 and are currently riding an eight-game win-streak.