Here is USC's official response to the NCAA appeal decision:
We respectfully, but vehemently, disagree with the findings of the NCAA's Infractions Appeals Committee. Our position was that the Committee on Infractions abused its discretion and imposed penalties last June that were excessive and inconsistent with established case precedent.
Pat Haden, USC's athletic director, said: "I was part of the USC team that met with the Infractions Appeals Committee on January 22nd. Although I am gravely disappointed, I can assure our student-athletes, coaches and fans that we made every possible argument -- forcefully and vigorously -- for modifying unjust penalties."
USC President C. L. Max Nikias added: "We are extremely disappointed in this result. We are very concerned that the historical value of case precedent and the right to fair process in the NCAA adjudicative process, both in terms of the ability of an institution to defend itself or prove an abuse of discretion on appeal, have been substantially eroded. Further, the decisions of the COI and IAC have set a standard that leaves little, if any, room to discipline more egregious violations that will be addressed by the NCAA in the future without irreparably damaging athletic programs across the country. Notwithstanding this troubling concern and our grave disappointment, we will look forward to the future."
USC head football coach Lane Kiffin remarked:
"I respect the NCAA's decision to uphold the sanctions against USC. That being said, I am disappointed for our players, our fans and our staff that another bowl game and now a possible Pac-12 championship game has been taken away from them.
"I have been and always will be committed to making sure we are following all NCAA guidelines and bylaws to ensure that we are winning the right way.
"We have been operating with these sanctions for a year now and have felt their effects on multiple fronts. We will continue to execute the plan we have in place to make the most of the hand with which we have been dealt. I am proud of how our players have performed on the field and represented us off the field under very difficult and trying circumstances. I look forward to them continuing to do so as we move on to make the best of our situation. I also have been impressed with the reception we have received from recruits. They understand the value of a USC degree and the opportunities afforded them by playing football here."
USC's original appeal:
USC Appeal-Redacted_v11.pdf
Supplement to appeal:
USC Supplement to Appeal-Redacted_v11.pdf
Rebuttal brief:
USC Rebuttal Brief-Redacted_v11.pdf
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
