Pete Carroll embarrasses himself at Mark Sanchez press conference

January 15, 1:23 PMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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                           USC football coach, Pete Carroll

Pete Carroll did something that has astounded me and others who are fans of him and USC.

His QB, Mark Sanchez decided to enter the NFL draft and the young man stood up today and made his announcement. His voice was cracking as he said good by to his college days and teammates.

Carroll was seated at the table on the dais and when he got a microphone in front of him he made a short statement wishing Sanchez luck with the caveat that Sanchez would have a tougher time by not returning to school.

He got up to leave the conference and press members started shouting questions to him.

He didn't return to his seat. Rather he stood up and leaned over the microphone. He reiterated that he strongly disagreed with Sanchez's decision.

He didn't leave it there however. He went on to speak in specifics about the reasons for his view. He talked about Sanchez starting too few games at USC for the NFL's taste.

He said that he counseled Sanchez not to get caught up in the "euphoria surrounding the Rose Bowl" in which Sanchez joined the others in the Rose Bowl records books when he threw for more than 400 yards, ran for one touchdown and threw four others.

In Carroll's view there is more to learn to maximize the young man's chances to get picked high in the draft and make a roster. I'm sure he spoke with scouts and others in the NFL about it all.

Sanchez then got back on the microphone and in a very steady tone assured everyone that he had listened to Coach Carroll but feels he is ready for the challenges ahead.

This is unprecedented stuff. Perhaps Carroll's ego was bruised because his advice was ignored. Carroll wants his athletes to reflect well on him as a coach.

He might think if Sanchez is a bust at the combine or teams look at film and aren't as impressed as they need to be to draft him high, then Carroll's reputation as one of the premier coaches in college football might be at risk.

No matter what the reason, this is just stunning to say the least. A young man for whom Carroll professed affection was hung out to dry in front of media, fans and family only to be embarrassed by the mentor and coach he relied on for years.

This wasn't the forum for Carroll to express his displeasure. This was Mark Sanchez's moment. BTW: He has 72 hours to change his mind and not lose his college eligibility. Think any bridges were burned today? I do.

Click here to watch video of Sanchez's statement from today.

Our USC Trojans Examiner covers the announcement, right here.