USC was informed that their appeal to the NCAA to reduce the sanctions against the athletic program has been denied. The denial means the Trojans will serve the second-year of their two-year postseason ban this upcoming season, which will make USC ineligible for the Pac-12 championship game and a bowl game. The Trojans will lose 30 scholarships over the next three years as well.
USC spokesman Tim Tessalone confirmed the school has received a response from the NCAA on its appeal, but NCAA rules prevent USC from commenting on the decision until its release Thursday.
"We can't do anything other than to say we received the decision," Kiffin said, according to the Orange County Register. "We're happy that it's over, so we can move forward and deal with it."
Former USC running back Reggie Bush and basketball player O.J. Mayo received improper benefits under the former administration within the athletic department. The Trojans were put on a four-year probation, which includes the two-year postseason ban in football. Former athletic director Mike Garrett was fired from his post as a result as USC took measures to clean up their program and remove themselves from connections to Bush and Mayo. USC removed Bush's replica Heisman Trophy and jersey from their campus, and Bush returned his Heisman Trophy two months later.
The NCAA has allowed USC's players to transfer to another program without having to sit-out a year, which NCAA rules require for a transfer to another FBS program. Only a couple of players have taken advantage of the exemption, but with the upholding of the sanctions by the NCAA could lead to another couple of transfers if players want to play in the postseason this year.
USC President Max Nikias said "All I will say is that I want to thank the NCAA for giving us an opportunity before the appeals committee to have a good and fair hearing. Now we have to wait for the ruling."
USC has said they will not take any more actions in the appeal process.
With USC not eligible for the postseason it will be Lane Kiffin's mission to have his team played the role of spoiler in the Pac-12. The message will be to the players that USC may not be eligible for the Pac-12 championship but they can play a major role in determining who does. USC plays new conference member Utah, and UCLA at home in division play. USC could easily be a factor in the Pac-12 without having their own stake in the division outcome.
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