"As you may have read, there have been reports in the media regarding the issue of student-athletes profiting from the sale of autographs. Some people are under the mistaken impression that, if the student-athlete is not paid for the autograph, it is permissible to sell it. THIS IS NOT TRUE! A student-athlete may not provide an autograph for an item he/she knows will be sold, even if the student-athlete does not profit. To do so would jeopardize the student-athlete's eligibility.
"USC is committed to providing a positive experience for all our student-athletes and fans. However, we must take steps to protect the eligibility of our student-athletes, and we are asking for your cooperation in this endeavor. Thus, all autographs obtained at Salute to Troy, or at any other time from a current student-athlete, should be personalized and are provided with the mutual understanding that the item received will never be sold or traded for anything of value as long as any autograph on that item represents a student-athlete currently competing for USC. Your cooperation in protecting our student-athletes is greatly appreciated."
