Read the opposing argument from Bleacher Fan.
There’s no question that the USC Trojans have been on top of the college football world for much of the past decade. Pete Carroll and company have made USC a national power once again after years of mediocrity. That reputation of dominance will be severely put to the test this week, as it has been reported that the NCAA committee on infractions will FINALLY release its finding regarding USC this Friday. Most of the investigation centered on former Trojan Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and any IMPROPER benefits he or his family may have received.
But, as Babe Ruthless indicated in the introduction, today’s debate really isn’t centered on football itself, rather on morality. Southern Cal was sanctioned back in 2001, and with the time period in question beginning in 2003, they could be considered repeat offenders. However, focusing solely on morality, USC should be worried – and it definitely should be stripped of the 2004 national championship.
Now, I’m aware that the judge in today’s debate (Babe Ruthless), and my opponent (Bleacher Fan), aren’t really big on fairness in sports. I think they’d probably both agree that fairness is overrated in sports. But when discussing fairness, I think it’s an entirely different ballgame when discussing amateur sports. There are explicit rules set by the NCAA that stipulate no amateur athlete shall receive benefits from the school, or anyone associated with the school, or anyone outside of the school. Why do you think athletes are constantly told to beware of the sharks known as agents and other people not necessarily directly associated with the university? Remember when former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar was dismissed from the team for being paid by a car dealership for work he didn’t do? That’s considered an IMPROPER benefit.
In this particular situation, Bush’s family allegedly received a rent-free residence. While it’s true a free place to live didn’t exactly help Bush score any touchdowns on the field, it did break rules set forth by the NCAA if it’s found to have actually happened. Whether or not USC had any knowledge of the situation is irrelevant, though with the tight ship many schools run with their compliance departments these days, I have a hard time believing this slipped under any crack in the door.
Another realization to note is something that quietly happened back in 2007. Then the BCS implemented a policy stating that a team’s bowl appearances and BCS titles are to be vacated when major rules violations are discovered, and schools are sanctioned by the NCAA. You be the judge of that statement, but that doesn’t necessarily bode well for the Men of Troy.
If Bush really did receive improper benefits, the infractions committee will find it. They’re the best of the best and find everything (just ask anyone associated with Connecticut men’s basketball). It is an important next few weeks for the legacy of USC football. The 2004 national championship is hanging in the balance. And that’s the way it should be. It’s looking more and more like USC got caught. Now, it must pay the price!
