What in the world is going on with USC’s football program? Josh Shaw, a senior cornerback and team captain lied about jumping off of a balcony to rescue his seven-year-old nephew, who he claimed was drowning. Shaw injured both ankles in the “fall,” and made up this elaborate story. He was been suspended by USC after a teammate blew the whistle on him.
USC senior cornerback Josh Shaw came to USC athletic department officials this afternoon (Wednesday, Aug. 27) and admitted that he had lied about how he suffered his ankle injuries over the weekend.
He said that the story he told of rescuing his nephew in a pool in Palmdale, Calif., was a complete fabrication. He apologized for misleading his coaches, teammates, athletic department officials and the public.
“We are extremely disappointed in Josh,” said USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian. “He let us all down. As I have said, nothing in his background led us to doubt him when he told us of his injuries, nor did anything after our initial vetting of his story.
“I appreciate that Josh has now admitted that he lied and has apologized. Although this type of behavior is out of character for Josh, it is unacceptable. Honesty and integrity must be at the center of our program. I believe Josh will learn from this. I hope that he will not be defined by this incident, and that the Trojan Family will accept his apology and support him.”
Sarkisian said that Shaw has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.
Shaw has retained Donald Etra as legal counsel. Etra will issue a statement on Shaw’s behalf soon.
USC regrets the posting of the initial story on Monday (Aug. 25).
Shaw’s lawyer issued a statement, stating the initial story was false, but Shaw did injure himself jumping off of a balcony. But refused to provide further details.
In addition to that drama, another member of the team has quit and is accusing the head coach, Steve Sarkisian, of being a racist. Running back Anthony Brown made the announcement on Instagram.
“When I walked in the room he said, ‘You have the f**king guts to walk in here — coward.”
Brown continues, “The way he was talking to me … it was like a slave master talking to his slave.”
Eventually, Brown says, “He told me to get the f**k out of his office.”
As if USC needed anymore drama with their football program.
