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Amid recent controversy of the Trojan mascot stabbing the UCLA logo at mid-field of the rose Bowl, things have gotten a bit touchy between UCLA and USC. Two years ago, the Bruins had made it an issues to prevent the Trojans from carrying out their “tradition” as it is seen as disrespectful by those associated with UCLA. Because of that, UCLA said that they would disallow the Trojan band to perform at half time if the mascot went through with his actions. USC agreed, but you can never fully trust your opponent, especially in as heated a rivalry game as this one. Because of that, walk-on receiver Sam Handler decided to defend his logo, his team and his school.
Handler had walked out to the logo when the USC band started their pre-game ritual. What he did will be remembered for years to come and because of that has instantly become a UCLA football legend.
MT @BruinReport: Sam Handler, walkon WR, walked onto the field to prevent USC from stabbing the field #UCLAvsUSC pic.twitter.com/vwCERoCp96
— 247Sports Recruiting (@247recruiting) November 23, 2014
Sam Handler, injured UCLA receiver, just caused commotion by refusing to leave UCLA's midfield logo while USC band prepared to take field
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) November 23, 2014
UCLA's Sam Handler tries to prevent the USC marching band from stabbing logo at midfield.#bruinnation #8Clap #Bruins pic.twitter.com/cLm9QlRyS8
— Keith Birmingham (@photowkb) November 23, 2014
PHOTO: UCLA receiver Sam Handler refuses to leave the field as USC's marching band tries to come on http://t.co/P9Gi6pwGdx
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) November 23, 2014
#UCLA walkon WR Sam Handler tried to stand on the logo to prevent USC from stabbing field. Security took him off. pic.twitter.com/10p8Kk7Dtw
— Edward Lewis (@Edward__Lewis) November 23, 2014
#UCLA receiver Sam Handler makes sure #USC band leader doesn't stab field with sword. Handler escorted off by secruity
— chris foster (@cfosterworld) November 23, 2014
Sam Handler, walkon receiver, just walked out on the field to prevent the man in the skirt from stabbing the field. #UCLA
— Bruin Report Online (@BruinReport) November 23, 2014
UCLA's Sam Handler tries to prevent the USC marching band from stabbing logo at midfield.#bruinnation #8Clap #Bruins pic.twitter.com/SUtECJZRim
— Keith Birmingham (@photowkb) November 23, 2014
On a night when Brett Hundley became the all-time leader in total offense, Handler proved that you do not have to have major stats to show you are a true Bruin. Sam Handler, we salute you!