Earlier today, the files in regards to defamation case against former USC running backs coach Todd McNair against the NCAA were unsealed. The initial reaction, especially from USC, was that of shock. And why not? When it is presumed that the governing body of a large organization has specifically sought out one of their members to punish and make an example of (regardless of evidence of wrong doing), the program, administration and fan base of said member should have the right to be upset.
UCLA Bruins
But there are limitations.
With the unsealing of the documents, USC feels like they have been slighted. The truth is, they have. But let us not forget why this all happened in the first place: a well-known defamed player named Reggie Bush.
Bush and his family illegally accepted benefits while he was playing football for USC. That is a NCAA infraction. He did it and got caught. With that, the NCAA acted upon it, as is their right. What USC did in return was exactly what you do not do in those situations. The Trojans were completely defiant towards the NCAA and acted like petulant little brats, especially former Athletic Director Mike Garrett.
Because of that, the NCAA decided to deal with USC in a way that they have not done to any other school in the past (sans SMU). They found USC guilty of wrong doing and instead of giving them the minimum amount of penalties, the NCAA chained them to the wall. The NCAA hammered USC’s football program with a two-year bowl ban and a loss of 30 scholarships.
Unfortunately, it has come out that the NCAA might have been a bit excessive in their punishments. With that, USC erupted, especially on social media. They have vehemently voiced their displeasure with what the documents revealed. Here is a small snippet of those reactions.
It'll be interesting to see what action USC takes against the NCAA. It's too late to get back lost scholarships and postseason bans.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 25, 2015
I get the feeling the next time USC renovates the McKay Center it will be with lawsuit settlement money.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) March 26, 2015
First USC home game @ReggieBush should ride traveler across the field. #FightOn
— Shawn Rose (@ShawnFace) March 26, 2015
"Once USC has had the opportunity to review all of the documents unsealed by the court, we'll determine what further action is appropriate."
— Kane "The Conqueror" Webb (@FightOnTwist) March 25, 2015
Reggie Bush needs to hire the APA to get his good name back. Someone call Ron Simmons and Bradshaw
— Kane "The Conqueror" Webb (@FightOnTwist) March 26, 2015
Even Athletic Director Pat Haden had a few choice words for the NCAA.
Full statements from #USC and Athletic Director Pat Haden firing back at the #NCAA. pic.twitter.com/FN3AGmZmxs
— Nathan Fenno (@nathanfenno) March 25, 2015
Clearly, today’s finding stung a bit for the Trojans. But you know what, it happened, get over it.
USC feels like they have been slighted. The truth is, they have.
Trojans are not wrong in being emotional about what these documents reveal. Hell, any program that gets hit this hard and finds out they were to be made an example of would feel the same way, Bruins included. But the thing that is forgotten is that USC brought this upon themselves.
Bush was involved in illegal activity with some in the USC football program allegedly knowing and instead of cooperating, they fought the NCAA. And lost. USC forgets that they are a part of the NCAA and not the other way around. The nCAA’s rules apply to USC, not the other way around. But at the same time, it seems that the NCAA may be looking at another fight from USC. I can hardly blame the Trojans.
Still, whether USC has a case or not, the issue may be dead before any litigation occurs. The NCAA, whether they are wrong or not, had the right to give USC those penalties. My advice: let it go.