Southern Cal under NCAA investigation
The NCAA is investigating potential violations committed by Southern Cal focused on whether possible benefits received by former running back Joe McKnight and former basketball player Davon Jefferson warrant punishment.
Athletic director Pat Haden said Southern Cal will fully cooperate with any investigation after the violations were uncovered by the Los Angeles Times.
"USC takes its compliance obligations with NCAA and Pac-12 rules extremely seriously, and we are dedicated to playing and competing the right way," Haden said.
McKnight was previously investigated after the NCAA learned he was driving a 2006 Land Rover owned by Assessor's Office employee Scott Schenter.
The Times received emails that indicate former County Assessor John Noguez might have helped McKnight obtain a $625 plane ticket to New Orleans. Jefferson is believed to have received $3,700 in cash -- allegedly from Schenter -- according to the Times investigation.
Schenter is charged with giving improper tax breaks to residents of Los Angeles who made campaign contributions to Noguez.
Southern Cal has built one of the largest compliance offices in Division I athletics with 12 full-time employees. Haden and his charges have been dedicated in rebuilding a positive reputation and relationship with the NCAA after violations by former Trojans' stars O.J. Mayo and Reggie Bush led to harsh violations. Bush had to return his Heisman Trophy, the football team was banned from the postseason for 2010 and 2011 and stripped of 30 scholarships over three years, including the current season.
