Who could ever forget the 2004 undefeated USC Trojans. Coached by Pete Carroll, the Don of NCAA football during this generation, and led to a national championship by Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart and running back Reggie Bush. The 2004 USC Trojans football team had more potential All-Americans than most teams in the Pac-10 combined when looking at them on paper.
Protecting Pete Carroll
It seems awkward that there were issues concerning Reggie Bush during his draft year that he had accepted money, a home and a car for himself and his mother, yet nothing ever came of that situation at the time. The story seemed to just fall to the wayside and wasn't mentioned in the media. Reggie Bush never had follow up questioning and USC never received sanctions for the alleged violations.
What makes this even more concerning is that Pete Carroll left for the NFL and information regarding his 2004 USC team is now starting to come to light, yet won't affect Carroll in any way. It may put him in a bad light for some people, but his second chance career in the NFL is not going to be penalized for the actions that were taken at the collegiate level. There is no coincidence whatsoever that nothing was mentioned about these violations until Pete Carroll was completely disengaged from the university. The NCAA would not want to have anything of this nature come down on such a highly respected figure and amazing coach with credentials like his.
2004 USC Trojans Sanctions
It was announced last night that USC will be forced by the NCAA to forfeit their 13 wins from the 2004 season. The Trojans will also have a two year ban on any NCAA post season play and will also lose some scholarships over the two year period. When an institution does cheat, then there need to be consequences for doing so; however, these sanctions are affecting an entirely new group of coaches and players that were not involved in anything that may have gone on in 2004.
This is really going to hurt the Trojans for a few years after the sanctions are served as well. USC is going to have a tough time trying to recruit players that know they won't have an opportunity to play in a BCS bowl game and will also be looked down upon by fans, scouts and future potential agents. Imagine what the 2013 Trojans are going to look like coming out to take the field in their first game after two horrible recruiting years and a bunch of transfers that left for bowl games in their senior seasons.
Thanks to FH Alexander for the picture of Pete Carroll.
UPDATE: Any USC Trojan junior or senior can transfer from the school without having to sit out for a season. I bet that will help most of them make up their minds.