On the day the NCAA slapped serious sanctions on USC’s football program, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who oversaw the Trojans program when the violations occurred, said he was “absolutely shocked and disappointed” with the NCAA’s decision.
Carroll did not talk to the media today, but issued a two-minute video statement on Youtube.com stating his displeasure with the NCAA sanctions, which included the dreaded “lack of institutional control” finding.
“I never, ever thought it would come to this,” Carroll said.
USC was hit with a two-year postseason ban, as well as scholarship limits for three seasons. The NCAA investigation centered on Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits from sports marketing companies hoping to sign the running back. Carroll was not named in the NCAA’s findings, and said in his statement that he, his coaches, and the university were not aware of what was going on.
“After going through the process from the depositions and the interviews over years and years, and also participating in the hearing for the NCAA, I never thought there were any facts that supported these significant sanctions that have come forth,” Carroll said. “The primary issue throughout the process was did the university know. The university didn’t know, we didn’t know. We were not aware of any of these findings.”
Carroll referred to the violations were a case of people outside of the school taking advantage of athletes, something he hopes the NCAA will help to stop.
“This is a clear-cut case of external elements outside of the university setting entering in and disrupting the process of young student athletes going to college for their gain. It’s time for the NCAA and the universities to come together to elevate the awareness and the understanding of the vulnerability of college athletes and their families. We need to be proactive and work in every way to protect this college experience for these kids.”
Carroll also said he plans on supporting USC’s appeal of the NCAA sanctions.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
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