Where does the Regg, er, Joe McKnight sweepstakes stand now? With even the potential of sanctions, a new OC, and the even more likely possibility that PC will be elsewhere soon, seems like McKnight may have some serious choices to make.
I will probably help the recruits chances with USC since they know they can do anything and get away with it. Hell, O.J. went there...
Yesterday I was poking around the USC boards. According to posters there one of two things will happen: 1. Slap on the wrist/nothing. NCAA won't mess with a USC type program, see the ND mess with the 12 players and agent that happened a while back. I don't know the details, but supposedly a number of players were confirmed to be receiving money from somewhere they weren't supposed to, and nothing happened. They also seem to talk alot about the punishments being on Reggie and not USC, since they couldn't have known about it, etc. 2. This is the smoking gun that will uncover all the shady dealings at USC, and that this is the beginning of the end of the juggernaut. See the "death sentence" put on SMU however many years ago that was. I think nothing will happen in the long run, but I don't think anyone can argue that negative publicity actually helps recruiting.
And that is my point. I don't really give a flying flip what happens to USC in the long run. I actually look forward to one day soon meeting them for a :crystal: . But in the near term, I wonder how this affects a recruits thinking, such as JM?
Tough to say really. I guess the only ones that know are the kids with the coaches whispering in each ear. If the situation was reversed (God forbid) and this was LSU, as a recruiter I would be harping on the fact that this is still mostly the media circus, and at least wait for something official or of substance before weighing this in your decision. Basically, I think it probably won't hurt USC as much as we hope. The Bushgate scandal could go either way, lots of people are happy about the coaching changes from what I've heard, and the recruits are still going to basically get paid to go to school and play football in Southern California
No doubt all the stories coming out on RB right now can't be viewed as a good thing, for anyone. JM has been so mature and tight lipped on his choice that it's nearly impossible to determine if this is a factor or not. He obviously has a man crush (meant in a good way) on Reggie so maybe he feels defensive. A wait and see approach is the only logical and realistic way to look at things. I don't forsee a death sentence however. Sad thing is, Reggie's image may have already been permanently tarnished. Lamar Griffin is a shameless deal maker with no thought nor regard to how his actions could impact Reggie or USC. As for oj......come on. His accomplishments on the field can't be denied. He is far from God however. His Heisman is on display at Heritage Haul and his stats are there along with all the other Heisman winners. That said, he is not welcomed to any formal event nor is he acknowledged in any other way. He did show up to an Orange Bowl practice a few years ago at the invitation of Justin Fargas (dad is Antonio Fargas of Starsky&Hutch fame) who grew up with him as a family friend. Justin neither asked for permission nor told the coaches in advance that oj would be there. Once he arrived, PC felt it would be more controversial and more of a distraction to kick him out so he let him stay for a brief time. He has not been seen anywhere near the football team since that time. Other than some Raider bandwagon fans, you won't see too many Trojans sporting a #32 jersey. To me, oj is a ghost.
Maybe I don't really understand something, and any of you can probably clear it up for me. NSD is 2-7-07. The last two posters mentioned taking a "wait and see" attitude. Is it possible to wait until 2-7-07 passes? If not, I would think that a kid has to be wondering what's gonna happen with this situation. I don't wish any bad thing to happen to USC, other than to lose to :lsup: in a BCSCG. BUT, there are potentially really bad things that can happen to the program. This has to be considered by recruits. What are their options? Go to USC, then transfer if the potential penalties become reality, and are really harsh? Or can they wait past 2-7 before making their decision, hoping that more light will be shed on the situation? Honest questions, I really don't know.
Those were my exact words today in speaking about it to a friend. In reference to OJ, where someone went to college is no reflection on the University for things they do long after they're gone any. When I saw that I started to say that USC had, for all practical purposes, written him off but I knew vball would give a more accurate response on him. I'd forgotten about him showing up at a practice and do remember that. I posted this in another thread in the Roundtable and will say it again, most of the USC posters on their forum were supportive about our investigation in the early season (NFL agents meeting with players) and have also been with the latest Fed. investigation. Their position has been, "Wait and see, allegations are just that", etc. I think most here would be shocked to know how much they refrained from expressing content over it. I was proud to see our fans who are posting the same about the RB situation. The LSU and USC programs have a big bullseye on our/their backs because we are successful.
The "Wait and see" was more in reference to the situation of the program overall. No doubt instability is always a consideration for recruits. Even OC's, DC's, leaving has to affect that but like someone responded to me in another thread regarding USC, you and I could go coach there and be successful for the next couple with the talent they have....unless we had to play LSU that is. lol Not to say that LSU would need any extra help but I'd surely send Miles our gameplan ahead of time to ensure LSU a win. :hihi: Got that vball! :grin:
