The trOJans are still getting away with Murder.  Like an old re-run, some things never change.

In Honolulu on Thursday night, the University of Sanctioned Cheaters, aka usc, was flagged for 11 penalties for 100 yards… but the most egregious violation went unpunished.  In the 3rd Quarter, with the game still very much within reach, Hawaii QB Bryant Moniz took a forearm strike directly to the head that knocked him out of the game.  The Referees MISSED IT, thinking that that actual hit was to Moniz’ CHEST.  But Replays (and the ESPN Commentator) confirmed that the “tackle”by Michael Morgan was nothing more than a VICIOUS attempt to remove Moniz’ head from his body.

The Warriors went on to score right after that, and the THIRD-STRING Quarterback almost rescued Hawaii, so the dirty hit is NOT the REASON why the trojans won.  The trojans won because they dramatically outweigh, outsize, and out-talent Hawaii in almost every facet of the game.

Only usc could stop usc’s Offense.  Hawaii’s Defense didn’t have a prayer.  Or a clue.  They allowed Matt Barkley to repeatedly find his only experienced Wide Out Ronald Johnson, the two hooking up for 3 TD’s.  Johnson added a fluke Punt Return TD, when the coverage ran past the kick, expecting a fair catch.

Barkley, who threw 5 TD passes, was truly impressive, especially at the beginning, when he completed 11 of his first 12 passes.  But the trojan line was giving him plenty of time, and his Receivers were getting open by exploiting blatant mismatches.  Also helping the Passing Game was the fact that Running Back Marc Tyler was equally impressive on the Ground.  Tyler gained 154 yards, but really, it looked like one of those high school highlight reels, where one team is just too small to compete.  U$C vs. Hawaii LOOKED like a Pro team against a College team… probably because IT WAS.  Allen Bradford and C.J. Gable also blew threw the holes for big gains, so Tyler’s success may be slightly misleading – It may just be that the Hawaii Defense is horrible.  Usually, it took trojan penalties, or a fumble, to keep sc from reaching the end zone.

Either way, Lane Kiffin’s Offense is not the problem.  Surprisingly, it is MONTE Kiffin’s DEFENSE that has ESPN analysts scratching their heads and knee-jerk trojan fans wondering if maybe Football has passed the 70-year-old Kiffin by.  The trojans missed tackles as expected, due to their non-contact practices, but they also missed coverage assignments galore.  Big Underdog Hawaii had a ton of big plays to stay in the game for 56 minutes.  And what Lane complained about after the game was the penalties, including a late hit on the QB that he mentioned specifically.

Therefore, since the Weather’s Getting Rough, look for sc to quickly reduce the number of penalties they incur during their next Three Hour Tour, or their Tiny Ship will be Tossed.  With Pat “The Skipper” Haden watching over his Little Buddy Lane ”Gilligan” Kiffin, they will get Monte “The Professor” Kiffin on board.  Of course they’re all there because of “The Millionaire” (Jerry Buss).  And if you were wondering, “the Movie Star” is Will Ferrell, in drag.   

At least no one is asking him to give back his Heisman.

It’s been a tough month for former trojan hero and Ballroom Dance Student Matt Leinart.  This season he was supposed to take over for retired Kurt Warner, but his poor play led instead to his demotion.  Last week, Derek Anderson started ahead of Leinart, and after analysis of the game film, Anderson was designated to start their next game as well.

This upset Leinart so much, that he blew up to the Press, and accused his Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt of having a personal vendetta against him that goes beyond the football field.  Leinart THEN scheduled a meeting to clear the air with Whisenhunt, but only after making the low-class move of whining to the Media first.  And if you are wondering, YES, Whisenhunt thought that Matt’s complaining to the Press was Bush League.

Leinart thinks that Whisenhunt has something against him non-football related, otherwise he would still be starting.  Leinart insists that — despite the stats – he has out-performed Derek Anderson during the preseason, and deserves to Start… based on Football.  Maybe Leinart has Mike Garrett Disease, and thinks that Whisenhunt is just jealous. Of course the Coach says that it has nothing to do with liking or not liking someone — It’s about who is the best QB for the Team.

But if it is not about playing ability, what does Leinart think it is about him that Whisenhunt doesn’t like?  Could it be his smug arrogance?  Could it be his lack of a work ethic?  Could it be his Hollywood Hot Tub, party-all-night attitude?  And more importantly, why didn’t any other team scoop him up on the first day he became available?  Even Manny Ramirez got picked up.  Maybe Leinart should borrow some female fertility drugs from the former Dodger… or from his fellow ex-trojan Brian Cushing, who apparently produces the substance from scratch, in his body.  Maybe he could inject some directly into Matt.

Maybe the trojans will have the last laugh:  Leinart could easily get signed by a decent team today, and then get the starting gig after one broken ankle to the 1st-Stringer.  Leinart could probably be the #2 QB behind Brett Favre in Minnesota, and suddenly be leading a team deep into the Playoffs, after one brutal Sack.  I can’t believe how poor Leinart’s career has gone — I honestly thought that he would have Carson Palmer-ish stats and lots of Postseason Starts by now.  He can’t possibly be as bad as some Fantasy pundits are claiming.  Yesterday, in an analysis of Larry Fitzgerald, one announced that Leinart is simply not a Professional-level Quarterback, and as long as he is Fitzgerald’s QB, Fitzgerald will never be a top Receiver.  I think that may be a bit of hyperbole, but it’s starting to look like the Arizona Cardinals think it’s an understatement.

Write On!  Football Writers right a wrong by erasing from History usc’s ’04 Grantland Rice Trophy, and Matt Leinart may BE History, after getting written off as the Starter in Arizona (for this week, at least)

Call it “Writer’s Block.”

The Football Writers Association of America is blocking usc from keeping the Grantland Rice Trophy for the 2004 National Championship.  The trojans are being deleted from the Records, and Pat Haden says that they will indeed return the actual trophy itself.

The FWAA has decided to NOT give the trophy to another team.  Apparently, they felt that it wasn’t fair for a vote six years later to decide the Championship between Auburn, Oklahoma, and Utah.  So, thanks to sc’s Lack of Institutional Control, the Grantland Rice Trophy goes “unawarded,” for the first time in its 56-year History.

And speaking of unawarded, Arizona Cardinal Quarterback Matt Leinart was unawarded his Starting job this week, when Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt penciled in Derek Anderson as the Starter for their next game on Saturday.  Is it possible that the Coach has given up on Leinart, who played in three series in the last game, and went three-and-out in all three?  When asked what he was looking for from Anderson, Whisenhunt replied “First Downs.” 

Another possibility for Whisenhunt’s decision?  Maybe All-World Receiver Larry Fitzgerald stormed into the Coach’s Office, and demanded that Leinart be demoted.

Now all the Fantasy Football experts who predicted that Leinart would be this year’s biggest bust, are claiming that it is coming true, because Anderson will capitalize on this Preseason opportunity, and never look back, leaving Leinart as the Cardinals’ Back-up QB, ONCE AGAIN.  Anderson has had some success in the past, but is not consistent enough for one to assume that he will outperform Leinart this week.  Leinart is going to get plenty of playing time, and he’ll be out there KNOWING that his job is on the line.  That desperation should get the adrenaline pumping, and just might bring out Leinart’s finest effort ever.  On the other hand, the elevated pressure could make him choke.   But even if Leinart sucks, Anderson could suck worse, leaving Leinart at the top of the depth chart when the regular season starts.

Either way, this week’s indefinite demotion is a SLAP in the face to the struggling Leinart, who has been completely expecting to be The Man for Arizona this Season, after all these years of spectating from the sidelines.  Recently, Leinart and the trojans have been slapped more than Larry and Curly in a Three Stooges movie, or Jenna Jameson’s ass in a Three Splooges movie.  The differences between sc and Jenna?  She LIKES getting slapped, she understands WHY she’s getting slapped, and someday, she’s going to STOP begging to be slapped.

There’s No One Like U.S.C.:  Trojans Can’t Get Enough of ’Cane reject WR, despite his alleged SERIES of rule violations, including repeatedly blowing off classes, and Pat Haden Can’t Explain what happened to the Winds of Change at his Zoo

Where do you go when you are too squirrely for the University of Miami?  I’ll give you one guess.

When you have hit rock bottom, and even the Hurricanes think you are not worth the trouble, you call Lane Kiffin.  Even TWO Punt Returns for Touchdowns last year — a feat not accomplished at UM since Devin Hester did it — could make Coach Randy Shannon overlook the sins of Thearon Collier.  After an intense meeting, Shannon threw Collier off the team, releasing him to any team who would take him.

But who would take a guy with multiple violations, off-the-field issues, and an apparent lack of desire to get an education?  Lane Kiffin, of course.  Kiffin is like Life Cereal’s Mikey — He’ll try anything.  And in the face of severe scholarship limitations and probation, Kiffin jumped at the chance to sign up a guy like Collier.

But what about Haden?   Wasn’t Pat just on the television promising a new era of compliance, and a new-found respect for the concept of the student-athlete?  Was Haden kept in the dark on this latest signing, or was he just blowing smoke all along?  Chances are that Haden encouraged the pick-up.  As a trojan, his desire to Win will always supercede his desire for Integrity.  And even though Collier was buried on the Cane Depth Chart, he could easily Start for sc next year, after he sits out a year for transferring.  And he will almost certainly win the Punt Return gig. 

So Haden will just try to bury the story, and not admit that one Cane’s trash is another trojan treasure.  And this homage to sc academics falls only a month after incoming trojan Basketballer Taylor King said that he likes sc because their academics are off the charts.  Yeah — So far off, that they recruit guys already infamous for cutting class.

The pick-up of Collier by Kiffin is like an ex-con illegally fraternizing with known felons.  It is just one more example of usc having no remorse for lacking institutional control, and of their willingness to keep throwing Class out the window.  By signing Collier, sc is still thumbing their noses at the NCAA.  The message is clear:  Even though the Scorpions are retiring, after 40+ years, the sleaze tactics at usc will live on forever.

The addition of the alleged slacker also negates the strict disciplining of Dillon Baxter, who is banned from the upcoming Hawaii trip.  Baxter is also accused of a SERIES of violations, and according to ESPN, Baxter has now been documented as the BIG LIAR in the case where usc formally accused five schools of illegally tampering with Baxter.  Apparently, Baxter made the whole thing up, just to make himself look more important, and seem more valuable to usc.  As postulated here on the day, it now looks like he was just quasi-extorting more illegal benefits — What other advantage would he gain out of lying about being coveted?

The other possibility still remains – An sc Official made up the false accusations, and the school is just pinning it on Baxter — and punishing him in-house — to avoid any further sanctions by the NCAA against the University.  And this all comes on the heels of Baxter being accused of breaking curfew and smoking Pot.  Suddenly, sc had enough leverage on Baxter to get him to consent to taking the blame for the bogus tampering charges.

Speaking of partying too much, Matt Leinart was on Monday Night Football tonight, and he further cemented his status as the Top Bust of Fantasy Football 2010.  Not only couldn’t he move the Arizona Offense, but he was not on the same page as his Receivers.  He was caught on tape tearing one of his Receivers a new hole, for supposedly not looking to come back for a throw that was way too short.  Leinart’s “back-up” Derek Anderson came in and suddenly energized the Offense, but he too struggled, making some really bad passes.  Still, Anderson’s superior (to Leinart) performance might have turned this into a full-blown Quarterback Controversy in Arizona.

It was ugly enough to prompt the announcers to SERIOUSLY recommend that the Cardinals place a call to Kurt Warner, to beg him to come out of retirement.  Wouldn’t that be the ultimate slap in the face to Leinart?  Not to mention, a Godsend for Fantasy Footballers who have Larry Fitzgerald.

SOME RISE, SOME SIT:  Despite Prince and Fauria being out injured and Kai Maiava breaking his ankle on the third play, the Bruins catch 4 Touchdown Passes and the attention of 5,500, as a new Tradition of Big Plays is about to raise the Roof at UCLA

Playmakers.  It takes Playmakers to put points on the board consistently;  To Step Up in Clutch Situations, and come down with the ball and six points, or the crucial First Down, or the game-saving Interception.  Most would say that the Bruins have LACKED Playmakers during the Post Jones-Drew Era.  There were a few, but never enough,

But based on Fall Practice and “confirmed” by the Fall Scrimmage at Drake Stadium on Saturday Evening, the Bruins are now STOCKED with game-breaking Playmakers, on all “3 sides” of the ball.

Most of the Scrimmages over the past several years have been pretty much devoid of explosive, highlight-reel plays, but this one started with a bang:  A Kickoff Drill that saw Josh Smith go the length of the field for a Touchdown.  Granted the Coverage Unit may not have been gunning for him at 100%, but he still found the open space, and easily outran his pursuers.

Several subsequent Kick and Punt Returns went for long gains, as the design of the returns, and the instincts of the Returners, have all seemed to improve.  With the return of All-World Kicker Kai Forbath and All-American caliber Punter Jeff Locke, as well as All-American Long Snapper Christian Yount, UCLA will have the Nation’s Finest Kicking Unit.  And if Sean Westgate is still part of the Special Teams this Season, that adds one more Big Play guy to an already-stellar group.

On Saturday evening, Westgate started at Linebacker, and he was all over the field (in a good way).  Westgate has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, ala Spencer Havner, and Westgate can hit, too.  On Saturday, he delivered a jarring hit, that separated an intended Receiver from a Pass that was about to be caught.  Westgate is apparently competing with converted D-Back Glenn Love for a Starting LB spot, and I’m not sure if he would still be a Special Teams staple if he’s a Starting Linebacker.  Maybe they’ll share time equally — that would probably allow for Westgate to continue his Special Teams dominance.

Speaking of Special Teams dominance, although the Bruins won’t be punting as much this Season, it’s nice to know that Locke can hit a coffin corner whenever he needs to, as he did during the Scrimmage.

On Defense, both Westgate and Love could be game-changers, but Linebacker Akeem Ayers and Safety Rahim Moore will probably change even more games.  Both are making National Watch Lists, and Ayers was seen disrupting the Offense on more than one occasion Saturday night.

Including Westgate’s big hit, the Bruin Defense made several Big Plays on Saturday.  Both Tony Dye and Dalton Hilliard picked off errant throws, and it looked like a couple of balls were stripped as the D swarmed the ballcarrier.  The Defense held the two returning Running Backs completely in check.  When the Second Strings met, the Defense gave up a lot of yardage on the ground.  Conclusion:  Injuries to the Defensive Starters would be costly.

And speaking of costly injuries:  Someone has definitely put the Kai-bosh on UCLA’s Offensive Line, as Center Kai Maiava is now out for the year after snapping his ankle on the third snap of the night.  The Bruins’ Opening Day Starting O-Line will now ALL be Players who were probably expected to be second-stringers this Season.

But despite the unproven Line, and despite REPEATED bad snaps by the back-up Center, both Bruin Quarterbacks were able to provide some explosives.  The Offensive playcalling seemed to keep the Defense off-balance, the misdirection seemed to give the QB’s some more time, and the Recievers MADE THE CATCHES.  Nelson Rosario is now a confirmed Playmaker, starting the Scrimmage with another one-handed grab, and later reaching over a Defender with both hands to snag one of Richard Brehaut’s 3 TD Tosses.  Taylor Embree doesn’t want to be forgotten in the Playmaker discussion, as Embree’s one catch was also for six points.  Brehaut’s 3rd TD Pass was a deep pass to Randall Carrooll, who got behind the Secondary and held on as the Defenders converged on him.

The 4th Pass to Paydirt was thrown by QB Darius Bell, who hit Anthony Barr.  These are two newcomers who could BOTH wind up being the biggest Playmakers on the Team.  Barr has been impressing ever since he got to Westwood, and Bell showed the intangible of knowing what to do as a play develops — or FAILS to develop.

The other incoming Player who may be an Instant Difference Maker is Running Back Malcom Jones.  It may have been against reserves, but Jones had runs of 17 and 18 yards.  Maybe he just has the right instincts, and will find the same running room against the A Teams too.

The one other guy who is becoming a dependable source of Offense is Receiver Ricky Marvray.  Like Barr, Marvray has been on fire all Fall, and he made another great catch during the scrimmage.

The surprise of the Offense’s night?  That would have to be H-Back Christian Ramirez.  Christian made a couple of nice plays, including a long run-after-catch on a short crossing pattern.  I think he had a Drop too, but he made up for it with the huge gainer.  Mark down Ramirez as a dark horse for Offensive Playmaker.  And don’t forget Josh Smith, who won’t just be returning Kicks.

Add in Kevin Prince and Joseph Fauria, and the Bruins have more legitimate weapons than they’ve had in years.  Even if Prince fails to recuperate, Brehaut showed that he is more than capable of making the Big Play, and Bell as well seems to have the aptitude to move the ball.

So for the first time in many seasons, it looks like THE TRAINING WHEELS ARE COMING OFF, and Norm Chow is going to open up his attack.  And why not?  He’s got the Players, and it’s time to let those Players make the Plays.

[DISCLAIMER:  There are two reasons why I can't SWEAR to who exactly made every good and bad play --  #1:  Chris Roberts was calling the Action (and yes, he literally asked the crowd if one of the TD's was actually a Touchdown), and #2:  I was thoroughly distracted.  What could possibly distract me from my beloved Bruin Football?  Keep in mind, the Bruin Cheerleaders do NOT perform at the Fall Scrimmages.  Then it must be a fan.  Yup.  5,500 fans in attendance, and the most captivating one sits right near me.   Sorry if I missed a couple of plays.  It was worth it.]

Here are 14 photos from the Scrimmage (the first one is the same TD Catch from above), with 6 Action shots, and 8 from the Post-Scrimmage Autograph Session, featuring some potential Bruin Playmakers.

De-NIED… x 3.

This week, three different football trojans got bad news, like three slaps in the face:  Two because of allegedly using drugs to try to fit in, and the third, because he didn’t fit in.

According to the NFL and its extensive panel of medical experts, Brian Cushing is full of crap.  And Steroids.  The NFL has officially upheld Cushing’s 4-game suspension from the Houston Texans, throwing out his Appeal.  Cushing had claimed that the abnormally raised hCG levels in his body were caused by a rare and never-before-diagnosed medical condition.  But the NFL, after consulting with the Nation’s leading authorities on the subject, obviously believe that Cushing’s levels were like that of Manny Ramirez for the exact same reason – They both ingested the female fertility drug to come down from a Steroid cycle.  Apparently, Cushing’s Weird Science has been debunked, and it didn’t take Penn & Teller, or Mythbusters to do it.  Just a Real Genius.

So now that the experts have exposed Cushing’s lies, will he finally step up and tearfully admit — ala Mark McGwire –that he’s been juicing since high school?  Or will he follow the example of  Reggie Bush and Pete Carroll, and DENY the evidence, all the way to his grave?

And speaking of juice, it looks like Dillon Baxter won’t be having any fresh-squeezed Pineapple juice next month, when the rest of the trojans are enjoying a luau in Hawaii.  Baxter, who has been suspended for the game, was still eligible to at least go on the trip to the Islands, but Lane Kiffin (or the invisible hand of Pat Haden) has just decided to make a more meaningful statement to the Freshman, by leaving him in South Central.  Baxter is accused — by a source cited by the L.A. Times – of getting caught breaking curfew, in a place that reeked of Marijuana.

Baxter admits that he has made a series of mistakes, but keeps it vague.  Can’t expect him to admit to Reefer — Even if he WANTED to “man up” in this situation and confess to exactly what happened, usc wouldn’t let him.  That is not the kind of story they want the NCAA to be reading about right now. 

Missing out on a trip to Hawaii when you are college-age is a BRUTAL punishment.  That was one costly joint.  If he would have waited a year or two, it might have been legal.  Instead, he has to stay home while all his buddies enjoy the time of their lives.  I wonder how Dillon will drown his sorrows?

And speaking of sorrow– the only thing worse than being banned from Hawaii, is being forced to Detroit.  And it’s even worse when it is done to you by one of your own.  Just like Kiffin/Haden stuck the sword in Baxter, it was Pete Carroll who stuck it to ex-trojan D-Lineman Lawrence Jackson.  Jackson was a 1st-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks last year, but he apparently failed to compete, not being able to dent the Seattle Depth Chart.  Then Carroll came in and CHANGED the Defensive scheme, making Jackson obsolete.  Jackson was caught, size-wise, between Down Lineman and Outside Linebacker, as far as Carroll’s plan went. 

But there might be a little more to it than just “not fitting in.”   Carroll intimated that he was surprised that Jackson went in the 1st Round in the first place, and that Jackson should NOT be expected to dominate in the NFL.  He went on to say something like Jackson just wanted to to rush the QB with outside moves, and wasn’t interested in getting down and dirty against nitty-gritty running attacks.  In other words, Jackson wanted the glory of highlight-reel Sacks and Sack Dances, beating up on helpless, vulnerable QB’s, but was scared of messing with head-on tackles of powerful, onrushing Running Backs.  

SO… just like he dumped ex-trojan LenDale White from the Seahawks, Carroll got rid of Jackson.  But not only did he get rid of him — He sent him to Detroit, and fed him to the Lions.  When you really want to screw someone, you trade him to the Lions.  Detroit is the League’s Purgatory, and the Lions are the Clippers of the NFL.  Despite tons of high Draft choices over the last few years, the Lions have yet to climb out of the NFL’s Bottom 10.  But Carroll’s apparently-vindictive stroke of genius may just backfire:  The Lions’ Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Jahvid Best make up a Trifecta of Skill Players who could really light it up.  Detroit could easily be better than Seattle this year.  Unfortunately for Jackson, the two teams do NOT play each other this season. 

Jackson is NOT voicing any bitterness towards Carroll FOR TRADING HIM — Instead he says he was GLAD TO GET OUT OF THERE, practically thanking Pom Pom for helping to save Jackson’s career –  Jackson understands that there was no good Position for him in Carroll’s scheme.  But more importantly, even Jackson can crack a depth chart in Detroit.

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A note on comments:  For the last few months, I have been using a new, high-tech Spam Filter.  The system has amazing artificial intelligence, and it permanently blocks ip addresses, etc.  It quickly learned how trojans write, and doesn’t allow their obscenity-laced tirades to see the light of day.  With some browsers, if your comment doesn’t immediately appear on the site with a “comment awaiting moderation” notice, that means the Spam auto-detection software has blocked the comment from ever being seen, by me or anyone else.  And once you’ve been blocked, you’re blocked for good.  This new Filter has made running this site much more enjoyable, as I continue to keep it a safe haven, 100% free of trojan fans.  I consider it the only real Sanctuary in existence, and I hope you appreciate the effort.   Bruin fans cans write in and say anything they want about the SCumbags, without having to worry about ANY retalliation or rebuttal whatsoever.  Too bad there isn’t a Message Board like that.

Heel! — Disgraced ex-trojan Asst. Coach Todd McNair, who once got busted for dog-fighting, refuses to roll over and play dead, as he appeals the NCAA ruling against him

The NCAA should reconsider the TV Ban for usc, just because the trojans are showing absolutely NO REMORSE.

Yesterday, yet another trojan refused to accept the reality of the NCAA’s detailed findings.  The latest trojan-in-denial is one of the main targets/victims of the investigation, Running Backs Coach Todd McNair.  Just like McNair’s protege, the equally-disgraced Reggie Bush, McNair is denying everything, and even taking it a step further, by accusing the NCAA of misconduct.  At least he didn’t accuse them of “envy,” like the also equally-disgraced Mike Garrett did.

Basically, the Appeal claims that the NCAA arbitrarily decided to take Lloyd Lake’s word over McNair’s.  Apparently, Lake, the Bush Agent wannabe, testified that McNair was aware of Bush’s cheating.  Lake’s version of events contradicts that of McNair, but WITHOUT PROOF, the NCAA just BELIEVED Lake, and based on that belief, they decided that McNair had zero credibility.

Lake is not exactly known for his integrity, so McNair could be telling the truth.  Supposedly, the NCAA had photographic evidence of McNair’s presence at an event where Reggie was in the act of receiving illegal benefits, but maybe Lake really did “Photoshop” McNair into the pic.  Of course, if Lake could have really pulled off something well-executed like that, he probably never would have gotten in bed with a Bush.

McNair’s Appeal is separate from usc’s Appeal, which reportedly faces a massive burden of proof.  McNair’s may have a better chance, since he is just trying to get them to rescind his label of “big liar,” and rescind his 1-year ban from associating with any recruits.  However, since he is accusing them of basically having an evil agenda of persecution, are they really going to be sympathetic to his pleas? 

It MAY be that he is attacking the Compliance Committee, and NOT the NCAA, and it is the NCAA who could overrule the Committee?  If so, you still wouldn’t think that the NCAA takes kindly to his approach.  It sounds more like language in a lawsuit to be decided by an impartial entity, as opposed to an Appeal TO the NCAA.  But the ex-dog-fighting guy wants it to be known that he does not lack credibility.  Whether the NCAA will come out and confirm that, waits to be seen.

Speaking of lacking credibility, the NFL has decided that endangering lives is not worthy of a suspension.  The League announced this week that ex-trojan Rey Maualuga — who got busted for a DUI — will not have to miss ANY action.  He will be out there on Week 1 for the Cincinnati Bengals, terrorizing ballcarriers, just like he was potentially terrorizing pedestrians a short while ago.

He didn’t get away totally unscathed, like Reggie and Pete Carroll did — He was fined by the NFL for two games worth of salary.  Big deal – As if a little pocket change to a millionaire is going to keep him from drinking and driving again?  If he were reduced to a spectator on the sidelines for Opening Day, now THAT would have sent a message — to him, and to all the potential drunk drivers drinking Beer and watching the game on TV between Beer commercials.  But maybe the Trutanich Spirit oozed into Cinci, and someone cut a deal.  The only questions now, are, how long until Rey Rey takes a swing at new teammate Terrell Owens, and how long until he Appeals his 2-game DUI Fine?    

Attention Reggie:  YOU CAN!!  Just call a Press Conference, admit that you are Guilty, and lateral the trophy to Vince Young

According to Pat Haden, a “contrite” Reggie Bush called Haden and said that he feels bad, he wishes he could turn the clock back, and he’d give the Heisman back if he could.

Despite false reports from ESPN via USA Today, Haden says emphatically that Bush did NOT apologize, or admit to his well-publicized wrongdoings.  Apparently, Bush is still too full of himself to confess like a Man and take responsibility for his catastrophic actions.

Maybe Bush didn’t apologize, but by saying that he should give the Heisman back, isn’t he finally admitting guilt?   And what in the World could make him think that he CAN’T give it back?  If he actually stepped up and did the right thing, that would save the NY Downtown Athletic Club from having to DEMAND its return.

If Bush really does offer it up without a formal request, would Haden follow suit and formally disown their lone BCS Title, and return the crystal football?  My bet is that neither one makes it easy for the rightful owners to get their trophies.

Haden and Bush did share one sentiment:  They are both sad that Bush is not allowed to set foot on usc’s campus.  Haden says he wants Bush to come talk to the current players, but the NCAA sanctions forbid it.  Hey Pat – O.J. will be available in about 7 years, and the NCAA, and your fanbase, have no problem with him.  

Put ‘em on a calendar, but not on your Fantasy Football team:  The experts agree — While Bruin Jones-Drew is a Universal Top 3 pick, ex-trojans Sanchez, Leinart, Bush and the rest are hardly worth drafting

Quantity, yes.  Quality, no.  usc has a ton of players in the NFL right now, but not one of them is expected to be a top-tier Fantasy Football player this season.

For many of you, your first thought is:  Who cares about Fantasy Football?  All that matters is the real thing.  Well, last year about 27 million people played.  Besides, a player’s Fantasy Football success is tightly correlated to their real Football success.  Sure, stats don’t always tell the whole story, but for the most part, the guy who scores the most Touchdowns and gains the most yards is going to be the most successful player in Fantasy Leagues AND in the NFL.

So when virtually every expert Ranking has UCLA’s Maurice Jones-Drew at #1, #2, or #3 overall, it says a mouthful.  Even playing for the mediocre Jaguars, and being coached by mediocre (ex-trojan) Jack Del Rio, Maurice is still expected to do what he’s done for the last two years:  Get into the end zone more than just about anyone else in Football.  Only Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson receive the same respect (and rightfully so).

M J-D is carrying 99% of the Bruin Flag in the Fantasy Football World.  It is doubtful that any other Bruin will get chosen in the Nation’s Fantasy Drafts, which all happen over the next three weeks.  It is possible that a Bruin fan will take a flyer on Jones-Drew’s teammate Marcedes Lewis, but with Del Rio’s conservative gameplan, and with David Garrard still at Quarterback, Lewis will not be among the top dozen Tight Ends, statwise, by the end of the year.  Neither will Spencer Havner, even though he has been effective for Green Bay in goalline situations.  Kahlil Bell plays for the Bears, and showed some flashes last season, but 3rd-string Tailbacks aren’t usually factors in Fantasy Football.  Likewise, Terrence Austin, Matthew Slater and Matt Willis won’t get any love, because Drafts aren’t that deep.  But these guys were never expected to be NFL or FFL studs.  They are hardly underachieving.  It’s the stable of ex-trojans who are failing to live up to their hype.

Mark Sanchez had an exciting and unprecedented Playoff run with the Jets last year, but the FFL prognosticators are not giving him any credit.  They claim that the Jets did it on the Ground.  The Jets called more running plays than anyone else in the League, by a very wide margin, and the explanation is that Sanchez was way too careless with the ball, inconsistent, and untrustworthy.  Even with this year’s new addition of All-Pro Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes, Sanchez is still considered a horrible choice to be your Fantasy Starting QB.  Believe it or not, I personally believe that the experts are selling Sanchez short, and that he may show marked improvement between his Rookie Season and his second year.  He still has a great Offensive Line, and Defenses will design schemes to stop Shonn Greene and New York’s Running Game, leaving Sanchez plenty of time to find Homes, Braylon Edwards, and Jerricho Cotchery.  He may even capitalize on having LaDainian Tomlinson, who can definitely catch a swing pass out of the Backfield on big 3rd downs.

If Tomlinson still has something left, it will destroy the hopes of two ex-trojans:  Joe McKnight is their 3rd-string RB, and Chauncey Washington is buried on the Jets’ Depth Chart as well.  Since the Jets run so much more than anyone else, it’s possible that someone may draft Joe McKnight in a late round, but based on his lack of production for the Pro Team in L.A., I would be surprised if McKnight became a consistent contributor this year.  Of course, if Shonn Greene gets hurt, then McKnight will definitely have an opportunity to get on the map, and behind that Line, he could actually be productive.

The NFL ex-trojan who should be the most productive this season is actually predicted by most to be this years Biggest Bust.  In Arizona, Kurt Warner (and his Wife) have retired, leaving the job in the hands of Matt Leinart.  Over the last few years, Warner has been a Fantasy star, piling up huge stats, taking the Cardinals to the Super Bowl, and helping make Larry Fitzgerald the League’s  Premier Receiver. 

But no one expects Leinart to carry on the tradition.  The great Fitzgerald has actually been downgraded by most publications, due to their distrust of Leinart.  In Leinart’s defense, their critiques of his play and lack of production center on games from 3 years ago, and it’s not insane to think that he might be improved this year, especially since he doesn’t have to compete with a potential Hall of Famer any more.  I think former All-Pro Derek Anderson is there just to keep Leinart from partying too much, but many analysts believe Anderson will be the Starter by midseason.

Besides Leinart’s past performances and general lack of ability, there is one other good reason why he won’t duplicate Warner’s numbers:  Anquan Boldin is gone, replaced in the starting line-up by Steve Breaston.  That’s a huge dropoff.  In the Pro’s, Breaston has never lived up to the potential that he showed at Michigan.  So Fitzgerald will now see more double coverage, and his numbers probably will go down, but not totally because of Leinart.  While Fitzgerald is still in most WR Top 10′s, Leinart is not even in the QB Top 20.

Above Leinart, slightly, is another sc QB who isn’t expected to produce:  Carson Palmer.  Palmer gets Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, with resurgent Cedric Benson in the Backfield, but what he doesn’t get is any respect from the pundits.  They don’t think that the addition of T.O. is going to change Cinci from being a run-first Offense, and they don’t see Palmer as a Fantasy Starter.  When T.O. became a Bengal, but BEFORE I read all of the expert advice, I had seen Palmer as instantly among the Fantasy Elite, but on this one, I will defer to the experts.    

Matt Cassell is the starting QB for Kansas City, but Cassell is ranked even lower than Leinart.  Kansas City is one of the worst teams in the League, despite a Running Back — Jamaal Charles — with the best yards-per-carry average in the league, at 5.9.  If anyone drafts Cassell, there will be a chorus of those sarcastic, nasal, suppressed laughs, throughout the room.  At least you can’t say he’s overrated.

Every year, I think that Reggie Bush is under-rated in Fantasy Drafts, and every year he under-performs and makes me wrong.  This year, once again, I expect him to get twice as many Touchdowns as in the Past.  They got rid of Mike Bell, who was a TD vulture for Bush, and new third-stringer Lynell Hamilton just went down with a season-ending injury, which should afford Bush a few more red zone opportunities.  And obviously, New Orleans is still going to travel to the Red Zone as much or more than anyone else… unless you believe in the Madden Curse — Drew Brees would be this year’s victim, as the latest cover boy for the legendary video game. 

The other reason why Bush might have a career year:  If he has to return his Heisman Trophy, he may channel that humilation and anger into an unstoppable drive, and a desire to redeem himself.  Also, he’ll have all the Saints supporting him, and trying to help him overcome his inevitable depression, and that could include calling his number more near the goalline.

Another ex-trojan who may be under-valued is Placekicker David Buehler of Dallas.  With Tony Romo leading a dynamic Offense, Buehler should put up TOP 10 Kicker Fantasy Points, even if his accuracy and range are more like 25th.  But the experts have split the difference, placing him in the high-teens on the Kicker Lists. 

The one trojan who WAS highly-ranked is NY Giant Receiver Steve Smith.  Even as a possession-type Receiver, his stats elevated him to Top 20 WR status.  However, he recently sustained an injury, so he now becomes a risky pick.  When a player has a little red cross next to his name on the Draft Cheat Sheet, there is always someone else equivalent — and healthy — that you can select instead.

Also, the Giants’ Defense broke down last season, forcing Eli Manning to open up the Offense.  This season his passing numbers are not expected to be quite as prolific.  But despite those lesser projections, and despite the injury, Smith is still listed in the Top 20 Wide Receivers, usually right next to the other Steve Smith, who used to be one of the league’s best.

Carolina’s Steve Smith is being downgraded to late teens for two reasons:  The analysts have zero faith in former Bruin-turned-Beaver QB Matt Moore, and they have even less faith in the Panthers’ other Receiver, ex-trojan Dwayne Jarrett.  Talk about not living up to potential…  Just like Jarrett’s old roommate Leinart, Jarrett is half-expected to lose his starting job by Week 8, and considered a do-not-draft, non-prospect.

Speaking of ex-trojan non-prospects, the guy sc’s Steve Smith punched in the jaw, Dominique Byrd, is still playing, but he’s listed as LEINART’S 4th-string Tight End in Arizona.  Byrd’s name may not even be pre-printed on the cards in the Draft Kit.  Same for Mike Williams, the former All-World trojan Wideout, who is getting another chance with Pete Carroll and Seattle.  However, nothing in the last half-decade would make a Fantasy Owner draft him.  Washington back-up Tight End Fred Davis might be a better pick, with Donovan McNabb becoming a Redskin, but Starter Chris Cooley will probably keep Davis from breaking out.

The trojans also have two players starting the season on DRUG SUSPENSION.  Brian Cushing, depite his ourageous claim that he has a never-before-diagnosed medical syndrome that caused his failed drug test, will not be helping the Houston Defense until Week 5, and LenDale White won’t be in the Denver backfield for the first month of the Season.  Filling in for White may be fellow Fig Techster Justin Fargas, who just signed with the team.  Even if he tops the Depth Chat, his selection on Draft Day would generate more snickers than Mars, Inc.  Sort of like if someone mentions Stafon Johnson, who is a 3rd or 4th string Rookie Tailback for ex-trojan Jeff Fisher in Tennessee.

Some Fantasy Leagues draft Coaches too, so that puts Fisher, Del Rio, and Carroll in the spotlight.  The Vegas Oddsmakers take care of this one for you, telling you exactly how many wins each Coach is expected to get this year.  They’ve got Fisher at 8-8, and Del Rio and Carroll at 7-9.  None of them make the Top 16, and only the Top 12 should be drafted.  Still, I could see drafting Carroll, in case he figures out a way to cheat in the NFL, too.  Compared to Carroll, Bill Belichick was an amateur.

Someone out there is bound to defy all the anti-homer advice, and fill a Fantasy Line-up with all trojans:

QB — Cornhole Palmer
RB — Reggie Push
RB – Fattie-rollin’ White
WR — The other Steve Smith
WR – Slain Jarrett
TE — Dead Davis
K — David Buehler… Buehler… Buehler
DEF — Houston (w/Cushing) or Seattle (Carroll)
C – Jeff “I’m suing usc” Fisher

R1 — Ball Room Leinart  [or Matt Queen of the Cassell]
R2 – Snark Manchez [or Chauncey gardener Washington]
R3 — SUV McKnight at the Opera [or Stafon "Lucky" Johnson]
R4 — Justin Teargas [or Mike "Mr. Humble" Williams]
R5 — Dominique “Don’t put me next to Steve Smith” Byrd

This is what you call a “risky” Draft.  It could be a high-scoring bunch, or it could be producing almost all goose eggs by the halfway point of the season.  I rather get Maurice Jones-Drew, and any other random 8 players to fill the other slots.   

The times, they aren’t a-changin’ — usc still stands for University of Substances, Controlled.  And this whole SCandal may be gone like dust blowin’ in the wind if the trojans have their way.

Officially, usc Star (-to-be) Freshman Running Back Dillon Baxter has been suspended for the trojans’ first game, for violation of team rules.  The first report, from Lane Kiffin, was that Baxter and fellow Freshman Markeith Ambles were late for something.  Then a story appeared saying that Baxter missed a bed check, and Ambles let him in the dorm after curfew.

Then a major media source claimed that Baxter was busted by Campus Security for being under the influence of a controlled substance, at 2:47am, and that the crime scene smelled like marijuana.  Smoking dope?  That’s a little different than just absent-mindedly breaking curfew.  Don’t get me wrong — I am the last person to demonize a teenager for smoking the occasional fattie — However, when a whole team, and whole “trojan nation,” is counting on you, you have the sworn duty to NOT GET CAUGHT. 

It was 2:47 in the morning, and he put himself in a position to get caught by rent-a-cops?  One of the best things about Pot is that it can make the must mundane activities become thrilling.  If it weren’t for Weed, they would have stopped showing Three Stooges reruns a long time ago.  So why couldn’t Baxter just set up his wizard bong in front of his 42″ Plasma (just guessing) from Uncle-Dr. Jerry, microwaved some Hot Pockets, and vegged out while watching a Harold & Kumar DVD, in the privacy of his own dorm room?

Baxter is expected to have immediate impact as an elusive and explosive Running Back, so when Kiffin got the first reports of the incident, he just had the players rolling on the grass (yeah, I said “rolling” and “grass”), and doing other punitive exercises.  That was probably going to be the full extent of the punishment, assuming that the lid could be kept on the story.

But the “crime” report was apparently available online, so when it became evident that the story would come out, Kiffin had to “Haden Up” the punishment for Baxter.  And sadly for Baxter, the first game is in Hawaii.  All that Maui Wowie, and Baxter misses it?  That would really suck.  But Kiffin hasn’t decided yet whether or not Baxter will be allowed to accompany the team to the Islands, so there is still a chance that he’ll be packin’ some Pakalolo — maybe crotchin’ the Chronic — in a few weeks.  He better watch out for Five-0, or the only book he ever gets at usc might be McGarrett saying “Book him, Danno!”

Speaking of people lacking in book smarts, Taylor King (of the Road), who reneged on his ultra-early commitment to UCLA, then got run out of Duke, then quit on /got run out of Villanova, then retired, just transferred to usc.  He will sit out one year, and then have one year of eligibility left for South Central.  He used to be a stud outside shooter, but he never panned out in college, and many theories exist as to what made him suck.

He left Duke for “personal reasons,” but the overwhelming consensus was DRUGS.  Reports had him failing 2 drug tests, and had Coach K disliking King’s cigarette smoking.  If any of this is true, it’s possible that the cigarettes were just to cover up the chronic Chronic use.  Or maybe he just has a really addictive personality.  Or maybe this is all bull, and the poor kid is just clinically Depressed, but not diagnosed yet.

When he left Villanova, it was believed that he broke team rules (do they have a rule against bogarting a joint?), but no official statement was ever released.  Instead, King, who had a reputation for partying, announced that he was retiring from Basketball to concentrate on earning his degree.

To show you just how much Education means to King, he was quoted as saying that usc’s academics were off the charts, that they blew away Villanova’s and Duke’s,  and that there was no comparison.  He should have added something about the INTEGRITY of usc’s Athletic Program while he was in this stupor.

Speaking of stupors, when King was questioned yesterday about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his premature departures, he pulled a Mark McGwire.  He REFUSED to talk about the Past.  And just like with McGwire, everyone knew that his refusal to discuss the past was tantamount to an admission of guilt… which is exactly what came from McGwire, years later.  Maybe one day, Taylor King will come clean too.  In the meantime, he’s a trojan. 

usc is becoming the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Drug Rehab Center clearinghouse.  If you don’t want your urine analyzed, and you don’t want to admit your past crimes, come Fight On with usc.  Just try to NOT get caught by the ONE Security lackey who can’t be bought.