CFB roundup: Lineman sues USC; Michigan loses 2 to draft
Former USC defensive lineman Armond Armstead claims in a lawsuit that he suffered a heart attack after the 2010 season because the school's training staff uses a drug that carries fatal risks, according to ABC News.
Armstead, 20, who has since left USC, alleges that university personnel have knowingly used generic Toradol over the course of the past few seasons. And, he said, the trainers regularly do not tell the players about the risks of using it.
USC has declined comment on Armstead's claims. The school and Dr. James Tibone, who allegedly gave Armstead weekly injections, have requested to have Armstead's lawsuit dismissed.
Toradol, often administered on game days to allow individuals to play while injured, has labels that state risks include possible fatal heart attack, stroke or organ failure. The label says the risks may increase with its continued use.
According to an ABC News investigation, USC is not the only school using the pain-killer on its college football players.
Nineteen of the nation's Top 25 college football teams -- including No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Alabama -- either confirmed they used the drugs or declined to comment to ABC News' survey. Oklahoma, Ohio State, Oregon State, Boise State and Georgia officials said they do not use it. Nebraska said its doctors restrict the drug's use.
---Michigan State juniors Le'Veon Bell and Dion Sims will skip their senior seasons and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
Bell currently ranks as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 11 running back, projecting as middle-round pick. He led the Big Ten in rushing in 2012 with 1,793 yards (63 yards ahead of Wisconsin running back Montee Ball) on 382 carries (4.7-yard average) and 12 touchdowns. Bell also added 32 catches for 167 yards and a score.
Sims is NFLDraftScout.com's No. 4-rated tight end, behind three other juniors Tyler Eifert, Zach Ertz and Jordan Reed, although they have yet to declare early for the NFL Draft. At 6-5, 285, Sims looks almost more like an offensive lineman, but he moves like a tight end with the foot quickness and body control to be an effective pass-catcher.
He finished 2012 with just 36 catches for 475 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he was left home at the line of scrimmage to block a lot in the Spartans offense and inconsistent quarterback play didn't help.
---Oregon offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich reportedly will be promoted to head coach if Chip Kelly leaves for an NFL job.
USA Today Sports reported Helfrich's ascension, citing a source with direct knowledge of the university's plans.
An ESPN.com report said the Bills had scheduled a Friday interview with Kelly. He will meet with Buffalo in Arizona, a day after the fifth-ranked Ducks play Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl.
The offensive-minded Kelly, who has a 45-7 record in four years at Oregon, reportedly also will interview soon with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.
---Former NFL assistant Rich Bisaccia has been hired as Auburn University's assistant head coach, according to new head coach Gus Malzahn.
Bisaccia, who has spent the past last 11 seasons in the NFL, also will coach the Tigers' running backs and special teams.
