(A/P Photo)
Southern California's 1000-yard rusher is apparently under investigation after it was discovered that Joe McKnight has been driving a 2006 Land Rover registered to and owned by local businessman Scott Schenter, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The junior tailback's use of the Land Rover could be construed as accepting extra benefits, which, if proven correct, could render the tailback ineligible for the Emerald Bowl on December 26th.
When asked about the vehicle after Wednesday's practice, McKnight denied ever driving the vehicle and claimed that the 2006 Land Rover was, “my baby mama's boss'.”
However, a Times reporter has reportedly seen McKnight operating the vehicle “several times in the last couple weeks.”
The trouble surrounding McKnight is nothing new for a University that has had to deal with similar situations from former star players such as Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo.
Both Bush and Mayo are accused of receiving improper benefits while playing for and attending USC and are currently being investigated by both the Pacific-10 Conference as well as the NCAA.
The investigation into O.J. Mayo's case led to the ousting of men's basketball head coach, Tim Floyd, who was apparently caught in the middle of the scandal and later resigned from his position.
Adding to the Tim Floyd debacle (whether it was his fault or not) was five-star basketball recruit, Renardo Sidney.
Sidney, who would renege on his commitment to USC in favor of Mississippi State, remains ineligible to play for the Bulldogs after questions arose regarding the Sidney family's ability to afford a move to, and two-year residence in, the Los Angeles area, as well as dealings with a sneaker sponsorship.
Hoping to avoid another Bush or Mayo-esque situation, the University wisely did little to try and stop Sidney from severing ties with the school.
McKnight, who was already playing with the idea of going pro, may in fact make the jump if the allegations are indeed true.
The USC Trojans football program already has some uncertainty surrounding its backfield with tailbacks C.J. Gable and Stafon Johnson exploring the option of the NFL Draft.
Losing Gable, McKnight and Johnson would leave the Trojans incredibly thin at the tailback position which was once chock full of talent.
It remains to be seen what exactly will come of all of this; however, given the history with the Bush-Mayo cases, it's not looking good for Joe McKnight or the University.
With the Emerald Bowl just a mere week away, McKnight's status should be resolved shortly.
Stay tuned as the story develops.
Comments
Now I want to understand why Joe McKnight doesn't know anything or has seen anything. Did this moran really go to college? Another free ride with no morals and the rules don't apply to him, he'll get a trophy for avoiding getting caught. The SUV belongs to “my baby mama's boss'.” This is the only true statement he's made. I'm sure the Time's reporter is telling the truth, but McKnight will go to his grave swearing he's been framed. What a joke. Players like this will continue to ruin the game for the honest players. USC needs to show him the sidewalk.
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