Sun Tzu
Why didn't you post the full article? :shrug: I think Carroll has a good argument to be upset with the NCAA. It seems like every NCAA decision is against USC. When it is in favor, they delay their decision. Carroll plays freshman and expects them to produce. So this really hurts USC.
USC football: Carroll fed up with the NCAA
By Scott Wolf, Staff Writer Daily News
USC football coach Pete Carroll finally lost his patience with the NCAA on Tuesday, as his usual happy-go-lucky personality quickly disappeared regarding the governing body's slow pace on determining freshmen athletes' eligibility.
"It's cruel to these kids and was last year too for the kids who had to wait for so long because of paperwork issues," Carroll said. "If they knew what these kids were going through, maybe they wouldn't be so bad about it."
Carroll's upset because freshman tight end Charles Brown is still waiting to be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Brown is expected to be cleared today, because the NCAA required a final high school document before approving his transcripts.
Another freshman, defensive lineman Walker Lee Ashley, is also currently ineligible while waiting for clearinghouse approval, but he's considered a longshot to be approved.
The clearinghouse seems to be embroiled in an on-going battle with the Trojans. Last year, offensive tackle Thomas Herring sat out the season because his academic transcripts were received after the NCAA's deadline.
Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal also missed a large portion of training camp before getting cleared just before the deadline. Even linebacker Clay Matthews, who did not have academic issues and submitted his paperwork on time, missed a practice because of fears he would not be cleared the day of the deadline.
The NCAA allows freshman to practice for two weeks before being cleared, but USC is holding Brown and Ashley out until they get approved.
Turner delivers: Freshman wide receiver Patrick Turner delivered on his promise Tuesday during his second day of workouts with an impressive catch of a deflected pass over the middle serving as the highlight.
"That's the best second day that a guy has had for us at that position," offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said.
Turner, who is still not 100 percent because of a bruised heel, said sitting out the first few days was frustrating.
"Now I finally feel like I belong," he said. "I came into camp rusty, but this was like breaking the ice catching passes. It was real fun."
Tailback woes: Sophomore Desmond Reed will start and fullback David Kirtman will be switched to tailback for today's scrimmage because the Trojans don't expect Reggie Bush or LenDale White to be available.
Bush strained his groin while White remains out after getting his foot stepped on by tight end Dale Thompson.
"Desmond Reed's doing really well," quarterback Matt Leinart said. "In the spring he struggled on mental stuff and he hasn't messed up yet."
Linebacker Dallas Sartz is also out with a hip pointer but could return today while Matthews has a concussion. That left freshman Brian Cushing at one outside linebacker spot Tuesday and forced the Trojans to move middle linebacker Thomas Williams to take some snaps at the position.
Dueling minds: Leinart alluded to Carroll cheating in practices in an attempt to keep the offense from dominating the defense.
"The defensive coaches put in stuff they don't even tell our coaches about," Leinart said. "I think (Carroll) does (cheat) actually. We got him the first couple days and then he was not going to let us beat him."
Carroll enjoyed Leinart's comments.
"I'm glad he thinks that. If he thinks we're playing that good, then that's good," Carroll said.
