RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Pete Carroll says the NCAA had no basis for ‘really harsh’ sanctions on the Southern California football program, reiterating he didn’t leave to escape penalties.
The former Trojans coach expects USC’s pending appeal of NCAA sanctions will produce transcripts that show the governing body for college sports had no basis for its bowl ban and scholarship cuts.
Carroll answered questions Tuesday for the first time since the NCAA came down hard on USC, mainly for improper benefits received by former star rusher Reggie Bush during Carroll’s tenure.
The new coach of the Seahawks says he was “responsible” as USC’s head coach, but that there was no way for him to know Bush was being wooed by an off-campus agent.
