OJ Mayo commits to USC? [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

ThunderingHERD

07-06-2006, 12:05 AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2510229

O.J. Mayo, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2007, told the USC coaching staff and players last week that he would commit to the Trojans, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

The 6-foot-4 Mayo, as recognizable a high school recruiting name as LeBron James and Greg Oden, made the statement while on his unofficial recruiting visit last week in Los Angeles. He still needs to make that sentiment public, though. He could do so as early as this weekend at the Reebok ABCD Camp on the Fairleigh Dickinson campus in Teaneck, N.J.

Wherever Mayo lands, he will make an immediate splash.High school recruits often say one thing to a coaching staff to appease them and then sign somewhere else during the fall and spring signing periods, but multiple sources told ESPN.com that the Trojans are awaiting public word from Mayo. Even after he makes an announcement, though, the Trojans would have to wait until the November signing period before it's truly official.

NCAA rules forbid college coaches from commenting publicly on commitments until they receive a signed national letter of intent. That said, if Mayo verbally commits to USC this weekend -- or anytime before the fall -- he would immediately go down as the most significant recruit in USC basketball history.

Mayo still could have other alternatives instead of going to college in the fall of 2007. There is a possibility he could go overseas for a year or compete in a barnstorming tour with other high-profile players who are prohibited from entering the NBA draft until they are at least 19 and one year out of high school. Details of possible moves like this are expected to be explored in September.

Still, those would be unchartered waters. The more traditional approach for Mayo would be to do what Oden did: go to school for at least one year. Oden chose Ohio State and is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft if he declares. Mayo, who is still scheduled to finish his high school career at North College Hill in Cincinnati, is a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2008 if he were to declare.

"[Mayo] could change a program and give it instant credibility," said one source. "He sees the big market and knows that he's not too far away from being marketed. [Going to USC] would only help him and he's confident enough to win a national championship."

The assumption for over a year was that Mayo would go to Cincinnati if Bob Huggins were still employed there, or follow him to wherever he landed, which ended up being Kansas State. Multiple sources told ESPN.com, though, that Mayo called USC coach Tim Floyd in November to express his interest in joining the Trojans.

Mayo then played in an event in Los Angeles in December, with reports surfacing that he was interested in a West Coast school. The assumption at the time was that it was UCLA, but by December, it had been made clear to USC that it was the Trojans, not the Bruins, who were in the hunt.

Multiple sources said that Mayo wanted to be in a major media market and that he told the USC staff he didn't want to be just another name at a school like Duke or North Carolina. He wanted to win big, go to the NBA and already have been marketed in a media center. Sources also said that Mayo was very aware of the attention USC's back-to-back Heisman winners, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, received the past two seasons.

"He's a little bit different for a kid his age," a source said.

Mayo was in Los Angeles last Wednesday to Friday. He met with the coaching staff, played with USC's returning players on campus and had a conversation with USC athletic director Mike Garrett. Mayo also met with Floyd for the first time. A source said Floyd has only talked to Mayo a handful of times, with Mayo showing more enthusiasm in this partnership than USC.

That's what makes this even more of a coup for the Trojans, assuming it becomes official. Even though he coached in the NBA at Chicago and New Orleans, Floyd has only had one highly rated freshman in his college career -- Marcus Fizer, while he was at Iowa State.

The timing of a Mayo commitment couldn't come at a better time for the Trojans. USC is still emotionally spent after dealing with the tragic death of freshman point guard Ryan Francis, and also needs to overcome the loss of star shooting guard Gabe Pruitt, who is academically ineligible for the first semester. The Trojans are also opening their new arena, the Galen Center, this fall.

A Mayo commitment may lead to another major coup if teammate and close friend Bill Walker, another top-10 player in the class of 2007, were to follow him to USC. The two have said for the past two years that they would play together in college.

MrBug708

07-06-2006, 01:01 AM

This is great for UCLA on a number of fronts

Schmidty

07-06-2006, 01:03 AM

Never heard of the guy.

GoldenEagle

07-06-2006, 01:09 AM

This is great for UCLA on a number of fronts

Why is that?

lighthousekeeper

07-06-2006, 01:13 AM

Never heard of the guy.
me neither - but his name makes me want to puke.

Franklinnoble

07-06-2006, 01:34 AM

Another famous USC athlete named OJ... awesome.

MrBug708

07-06-2006, 01:35 AM

Why is that?

1. UCLA has Arizona with an old, albeit good, coach and makes for a good out of state rivalry. Ever since Monty left, Cali has been struggling for a premier team and after last years run, UCLA looks to be ready. With a decent USC squad, it can only help.
2. OJ Mayo has baggage galore. I think he's suspended in one of his states from playing basketball due to something he did wrong. Wherever he goes, the NCAA will camp out. Nothing's better then watching the Rules committee combing through your opponents AD.
3. OJ Mayo committing basically forces out Gabe Pruitt and Nic Young. Mayo and Walker, while they'll be name signings, will hurt USC in the long run as they'll take these kids instead of signing 4 year players to come in and help USC continue to build something.
4. Freshmen rarely are game changers. Mayo has thought about going to Europe for one season so he can get money fast and not attend class. Not exactly a good lockerroom guy, dont you think?

Groundhog

07-06-2006, 01:38 AM

OJ Mayo sounds like a really awful drink.

Blade6119

07-06-2006, 01:38 AM

1. UCLA has Arizona with an old, albeit good, coach and makes for a good out of state rivalry. Ever since Monty left, Cali has been struggling for a premier team and after last years run, UCLA looks to be ready. With a decent USC squad, it can only help.
2. OJ Mayo has baggage galore. I think he's suspended in one of his states from playing basketball due to something he did wrong. Wherever he goes, the NCAA will camp out. Nothing's better then watching the Rules committee combing through your opponents AD.
3. OJ Mayo committing basically forces out Gabe Pruitt and Nic Young. Mayo and Walker, while they'll be name signings, will hurt USC in the long run as they'll take these kids instead of signing 4 year players to come in and help USC continue to build something.
4. Freshmen rarely are game changers. Mayo has thought about going to Europe for one season so he can get money fast and not attend class. Not exactly a good lockerroom guy, dont you think?
I generally agree..oden seemed like a good guy, mayo seems like trouble...i wouldnt want him down here in AZ, talented or not...him going to USC should only help us recruit

Antmeister

07-06-2006, 01:39 AM

OJ Mayo sounds like a really awful drink.

LOL!!!

IMetTrentGreen

07-06-2006, 03:20 AM

mrbug's #3 is what little programs tell themselves when they can't get those one and done players. not that ucla is little or anything, but it's still a bad reason not to recruit a mayo, oden or durant.

yeah, he's got baggage, but the guy is as legit as lebron was. he can have someone write his book reports for 3 months and carry a team into the sweet 16 on his own. you recruit guys like that no matter what. usc will be 4 times better than they were going to be in 07, will get tons of pub from this, and recruit a better class for 08 and 09 because of it. shoot, you don't think other 07 recruits don't want to play with mayo? bill walker might still end up at ksu (i was hoping they'd all go there, that would be fun to watch), but now he's probably going to look at usc.

second, there is no rule that says you have to bring in all one year players or all four year players. texas has damion james and kevin durant coming in next year. they'll be the best players on the team and be gone in 07/08. but we also have several very good multiple year types coming in too. best of both worlds. we're also recruiting jerryd bayless (thoser pastners can go fuck themselves) and anthony randolph for 07, both one and done players. rick barnes has made a living off under appreciated 4 year scrappy types (pj tucker, most recently) and still jumped into the rent-a-player-pool as soon as he could. shit, he wouldn't of let aldridge back next year even if lamarcus wanted to stay. he and most other coaches see the value in these recruits, and the value in these recruits seeing your program as a stepping stone to the league.

finally, ask jim boheim if he regrets bringing in carmelo. mayo is a better prospect than he was.

i guess my point is, this is in no way good for ucla

IMetTrentGreen

07-06-2006, 03:22 AM

also, it's not like ben howland wouldn't take mayo in a heartbeat.

thealmighty

07-06-2006, 04:09 AM

OJ Mayo is definately NOT good eats.

Vince

07-06-2006, 04:33 AM

I don't get the "as recognizable as LeBron James" part. I've never heard of this guy until this thread, and I regard myself as fairly knowledgeable about the sporting world.

miami_fan

07-06-2006, 07:02 AM

I would be suprised if Mayo ever sets foot on the court for USC. This guy has absolutely NO interest in going to school. The article just touches on this fact. This is not the same type of situation as Greg Oden. At least he acknowledged that he might want to go to college. This is the kind of guy who would challenge the draft rule in court.

As far as people not hearing about him. More people would have heard of him if he had a chance to be drafted in the 2007 (or even the 2006) draft. I suspect he will have his high school games on ESPN this coming year. He has been rated as the #1 prospect in the 2007 class since the end of his freshman year.

Bearcat729

07-06-2006, 09:41 AM

I don't get the "as recognizable as LeBron James" part. I've never heard of this guy until this thread, and I regard myself as fairly knowledgeable about the sporting world.

It was huge news here in Cincy when he chose North College Hill to be the school he went to. I never saw the hype either, but he's been touted as the next LeBron since grade school around here.

cthomer5000

07-06-2006, 09:43 AM

It was huge news here in Cincy when he chose North College Hill to be the school he went to. I never saw the hype either, but he's been touted as the next LeBron since grade school around here.

never heard of him.

rkmsuf

07-06-2006, 09:59 AM

Joe Mayo?

Crapshoot

07-06-2006, 10:03 AM

cthomer5000

07-06-2006, 10:04 AM

I'd cut off a finger to make $1 million guaranteed right now.

Balldog

07-06-2006, 10:08 AM

I've watched him a few times, its hard to compare him with Lebron because OJ's supporting cast is a lot better than Lebron's but OJ appears to be a better scorer and that's about it. Lebron was better in every other area, IMO. Mayo can shoot a lot better than Lebron.

John Galt

07-06-2006, 10:30 AM

Is my memory wrong or wasn't OJ on the cover of SI when he was in junior high? I think he has disappeared a little relative to that early attention, but if we didn't have LeBron already, I think a lot of media would be making OJ into "LeBron." It's just not as hot a story as it was a few years ago.

MrBug708

07-06-2006, 11:31 AM

also, it's not like ben howland wouldn't take mayo in a heartbeat.

Ben Howland wouldnt touch Mayo with a ten foot piece of bread

Maple Leafs

07-06-2006, 01:29 PM

It's nice to see the words "OJ" and "commits" in a headline without also seeing "double homicide".

Neuqua

07-06-2006, 01:46 PM

OJ Mayo looks like he's ready for the NBA already, and I am not talking about his basketball skills.

bulletsponge

07-06-2006, 01:55 PM

if the knock on him is he wants to become a proffesional player instead of a servent in the NCAA then i dont see a problem. too bad im with the NBA in thier age restrictions :)

JeeberD

07-06-2006, 02:18 PM

I thought he was going to Kansas State to hook up with drunky?

rexallllsc

07-06-2006, 02:49 PM

Hell, at 18 - if I could make $10 million guaranteed, I'd blow of school as well. Mr Bug seems to think this makes him a "bad" guy in some way, which is absurd.

That doesn't. This does.

hxxp://www.cleveland.com/hsboysbasketball/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1146040724219270.xml&coll=2

Reports say Mayo suspended
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
From staff reports

North College Hill basketball standout O.J. Mayo has been suspended from school after an incident at the school last week involving a female student, a Cincinnati television station and newspaper reported.

WKRC-TV reported Mayo would be suspended for 180 days. Sports director Brad Johansen, who said the station's source was a Cincinnati school board member, said Mayo allegedly choked the female student.

heybrad

07-06-2006, 02:51 PM

"Is OJ Mayo gonna have to choke a bitch?"

SunDevil

07-06-2006, 02:54 PM

Might as well be signed by the Trailblazers for the summer league this year. :)

SunDevil

07-06-2006, 02:55 PM

"Is OJ Mayo gonna have to choke a bitch?"

heybrad strikes again.. :)

Logan

07-06-2006, 05:36 PM

me neither - but his name makes me want to puke.

Frankly, it sounds made up...

EDIT: Shit, rkmsuf beat me to it.

Mustang

07-06-2006, 05:50 PM

I'd cut off a finger to make $1 million guaranteed right now.

I'd cut your finger off for $1 million too.

Galaxy

07-06-2006, 07:10 PM

Why not head to Europe?

miami_fan

07-06-2006, 07:20 PM

Why not head to Europe?

I am pretty sure that is what his representatives are looking at. Of course he will be looking for a one year deal with no buyout clause. Not sure if the good teams overseas would bring him in under those conditions.

IMetTrentGreen

07-07-2006, 01:49 AM

I don't get the "as recognizable as LeBron James" part. I've never heard of this guy until this thread, and I regard myself as fairly knowledgeable about the sporting world.

he's been a known quantity since he was 14. luckily for him he didn't peak to early and looks like a superstar in the making.. i don't know how tall he is, but he's built really well, super quick, and has great ball skills. i think he's 6'4 or 6'5 but i don't know for sure

Ben Howland wouldnt touch Mayo with a ten foot piece of bread

i really don't believe that. do you have any proof? i certainly don't follow ucla basketball, but i'm finding it hard to believe ben howland wouldn't a lebron type talent, even if he is a worthless punk.

AgustusM

07-07-2006, 12:10 PM

I don't get the "as recognizable as LeBron James" part. I've never heard of this guy until this thread, and I regard myself as fairly knowledgeable about the sporting world.

that is exactly what struck me about the story, I have heard of him, but only in passing - nothing compared to the LeBron blitz of a few years back.

MrBug708

07-07-2006, 12:35 PM

i really don't believe that. do you have any proof? i certainly don't follow ucla basketball, but i'm finding it hard to believe ben howland wouldn't a lebron type talent, even if he is a worthless punk.
One, Ben Howland has alluded to it before, talking about the character kids he likes, two I dont think the UCLA clearinghouse would get him by, and three his schools that he was considering was KSU, Cincy, and USC. Not exactly on the same page. If Mayo had no baggage around him, there probably would have been interest.

LloydLungs

07-07-2006, 01:58 PM

I think it's interesting that Mayo picked USC even though Floyd doesn't appear to have gone after him very hard. I'm sure Floyd is happy to take him since he should help USC tremendously in recruiting, although from what I know of Tim and what little I know of Mayo, I doubt he will get along with this kid.

That's if, as mentioned, he actually shows up on campus in the first place.

ScottVib

07-07-2006, 02:55 PM

One of Scout's Headlines states:

OJ Mayo: News Conference on Hold.

Wonder if circumstances have changed..

HerRealName

07-07-2006, 03:51 PM

I guess he is just waiting for his Mom to get into town. He is still expected to verbal to USC.

There are a couple of misconceptions here. He was suspended for school like 5 days, not 180 as was initially reported in that newspaper. He is also able to play high school basketball. He played varsity basketball as a 7th and 8th grader in Kentucky but 7th and 8th graders are allowed to play varsity so that isn't an issue. There is a possibility that his teammate and fellow blue chipper Bill Walker may have played as a Freshman twice so he may only have 1 semester of eligibility in Ohio remaining. It is still a pending issue with the Athletic Association in Ohio.

There are a lot of stories about Mayo that probably aren't true but if I were a college coach I would never recruit the kid. All it takes is one member of the multiple hangers on to take illegal benefits and you're in trouble like the Reggie Bush situation at USC. He lives with his 'grandpa' in Cincinnati who is really just a guardian. I believe his parents like in WV still but I'm not certain about that.

SunDevil

07-07-2006, 06:01 PM

Why does this guy sound more like Maurice Clarett than Lebron James...

Riggins44

07-07-2006, 08:28 PM

Why not head to Europe?

Lot's of bitches in Europe that need choking.

Riggins44

07-07-2006, 08:28 PM

One of Scout's Headlines states:

OJ Mayo: News Conference on Hold.

Wonder if circumstances have changed..

Wait, hold the Mayo!

IMetTrentGreen

07-07-2006, 08:43 PM

One, Ben Howland has alluded to it before, talking about the character kids he likes, two I dont think the UCLA clearinghouse would get him by, and three his schools that he was considering was KSU, Cincy, and USC. Not exactly on the same page. If Mayo had no baggage around him, there probably would have been interest.

mack brown likes character kids too, but up until the spring he carried one of the worst human beings on the planet on the planet along in ramonce taylor, and taylor isn't near as good as mayo is. these 'character kid' coaches have a way of overlooking that when a big dog looks into them.

second, the clearinghouse is an ncaa body. if they don't clear him, no one can. if you mean ucla admissions, then ok. i have no knowledge of his grade situation. as for the schools recruiting him, the final three are just who he chose. i don't think he has a texas offer, but i know he would have if his interest in us had been more serious. no point in howland wasting resources on him if he doesn't want to come.

i don't mean to be arguementitive on whether howland wants mayo or not. maybe he really doesn't. my main objection was to your homerist view that this is only good for ucla. unless mayo goes the other trojan oj while on campus, this will be only positive for usc basketball. nobody outside the west coast watches pac-10 basketball unless its a national espn game. but most are fox sports end-of-a-triple-header-at-10/11pm-local-time games. mayo and usc will be a national story all year long. usc will gain instant legitimacy, and time floyd, who is already a great coach and recruiter, will get into homes he couldn't have without mayo.

what micheal vick did for virginita tech, tj ford for texas basketball, shaw did for kobe, etc, mayo will do for usc.

ps - once you are done asking boheim about carmelo, ask any sooner fan or miami hurricane fan (if you can find one) if they cared about the hoodlums that ran around those programs in the past. sooner fans talk about their ill-gotten gains with nothing but fond memories. cheating? rape? coke? guns? don't care. they won. bottom line, in the long run, wins are more important that graduates. sad but true.

biological warrior

07-22-2006, 02:33 PM

I thought this kid was a football or baseball prospect until I found out hes playing at my old high school today.

bhlloy

07-22-2006, 02:49 PM

two I dont think the UCLA clearinghouse would get him by

Heh... the old "any recruit that USC gets wanted to go to UCLA, but didn't have the grades" argument. Honest question... do you have any proof of this happening? Seems like a very common theme on the UCLA scout.com message boards, especially now USC is getting a lot of the best football recruits from all over the nation.

bhlloy

07-22-2006, 02:53 PM

DOLA - I don't want Mayo anywhere near the USC basketball program. I don't think the short spike in notoriety and national coverage is worth all the potential for bad things to happen. The team isn't going to be a contender to beat UCLA or Arizona in the next couple of years, with or without Mayo. Floyd has done an excellent job bringing the program back so far, would hate to see Mayo ruin it.

IMetTrentGreen

07-23-2006, 05:23 AM

I don't think the short spike in notoriety and national coverage is worth all the potential for bad things to happen

it's almost always worth it, historically.

Glengoyne

07-23-2006, 04:48 PM

With a name like OJ, I figured we were talking about a football player.

miami_fan

01-30-2007, 02:46 PM

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) - Suspended prep star O.J. Mayo won a temporary restraining order Tuesday that would allow him to play later in the day for Huntington High against another nationally ranked opponent.

Cabell County Circuit Judge Dan O'Hanlon granted separate requests by Mayo and five other Huntington players who were suspended for two games stemming from a game against Capital last Friday.

The rulings would allow Mayo and his teammates to play in a game Tuesday night in Durham, N.C., against Artesia of Lakewood, Calif. O'Hanlon set hearings for the players for Feb. 9 and barred state athletic officials from imposing the suspensions until a decision is made on the players' procedural rights to appeal the penalties.

Mayo received two technical fouls and was ejected, then he followed referee Mike Lazo to the scorer's table and apparently bumped the referee from behind.

Under state rules, the penalty for receiving two technical fouls in a game or being ejected from a game is a two-game suspension. A student who "in protest lays hands or attempts to lay hands upon an official" can be declared ineligible for up to a year.

Mayo's five teammates were suspended for leaving the bench area.

"We feel O.J. certainly didn't do anything intentional," his attorney, Mike Woelfel, who also is an assistant coach at Huntington, told The Herald-Dispatch on Monday. "If there was contact, it was inadvertent or may have been accidentally initiated by the referee himself."

Huntington (15-0) and Artesia (21-1) are ranked among the top high school teams in the country by several national publications. Huntington also is scheduled to play Friday against Scott County (Ky.) in Lexington, Ky.

Under SSAC rules, if a student plays under a restraining order that is later reversed, the team could be forced to forfeit any victories in which the student played. Mike Hayden, executive director of the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, didn't immediately return a telephone message Tuesday.

Mayo, considered one of the nation's top seniors, signed a letter-of-intent in November to play next season at Southern California.

Just wow!

GoldenEagle

01-30-2007, 02:53 PM

OJ Mayo is a serious punk. However, the ref seemed like he sold it a bit as well.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/basketball/ncaa/2007/01/flop-gate.html

Lathum

01-30-2007, 03:05 PM

gimme a break, that was the worst dive ever. The ref is looking for publicity. I am willing to give Mayo a pass. What is he, 17, 18? I'm not saying he shouldn't know right from wrong but what he probably has to deal with on the court is frustrating. Being as high profile as he is everyone he plays against wants a story and he probably gets fouled, hacked, tripped etc... alot more then any other player.

JPhillips

01-30-2007, 03:07 PM

He doesn't deserve a full season suspension, but if he got two technicals he should get a two game suspension.

wade moore

01-30-2007, 03:29 PM

He doesn't deserve a full season suspension, but if he got two technicals he should get a two game suspension.

And I could even buy an extra game for bumping the ref. Let's face it, he DID bump the ref. The ref acted like Greg Luganis, but if the rules state you can't bump or make any contact, he did clearly make contact. So, I can see adding like ONE game for that.

As a side note - is restraining order really the right term in this article?

miami_fan

01-30-2007, 03:36 PM

You guys are kidding right? The injunction was from receiving the two T's.

From the article
Under state rules, the penalty for receiving two technical fouls in a game or being ejected from a game is a two-game suspension

What is not clear about that? He got the T's for taunting and for running his mouth. Because of those T's, he was suspended for two games and now a court is delaying his punishment so he can play. You don't see anything wrong with that picture?

JonInMiddleGA

01-30-2007, 03:38 PM

but if the rules state you can't bump or make any contact, he did clearly make contact.

But did he make contact with his hands? If the quote of the rule in the article is complete, and he actually bumped him with his body instead of his hands, I can honestly see somebody lawyering up & trying to avoid punishment because they didn't use their hands.

As a side note - is restraining order really the right term in this article?

It could be, as the school/organization is being restrained from administering punishment.

wade moore

01-30-2007, 03:40 PM

But did he make contact with his hands? If the quote of the rule in the article is complete, and he actually bumped him with his body instead of his hands, I can honestly see somebody lawyering up & trying to avoid punishment because they didn't use their hands.

Good point, I can see lawyering your way around that language if it's not clearly defend what "lay hands" means elsewhere in the rules.

That being said, he still should serve the 2 game suspension and potentially a small penalty (like i said, 1 or 2 more games) if they can prove that he violated the rule about contact with the refs.

watravaler

01-30-2007, 03:40 PM

The boosters at USC need a round of applause. The modern day "Program"

heybrad

01-30-2007, 03:44 PM

That ref should get a job in wrestling.

John Galt

01-30-2007, 03:45 PM

As a side note - is restraining order really the right term in this article?

Yes. A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is often coupled with a preliminary injunction to prevent one party from doing something until further findings by the judge. This is a classic TRO case since if you wait for the judge to make a final ruling, the issue would be moot since Mayo would have already served his suspension. In addition to the so-called "irreparable harm" requirement, a person seeking a TRO must show a substantial likelihood of succeeding on the merits, which Mayo must have done as well.

WVUFAN

01-30-2007, 03:47 PM

One of my good friends was at the game in question. He states he didn't think Mayo bumped into him, that Lazo (the name of the ref) had backed up into Mayo.

The Huntington High coached stated in a letter to the WVSSAC that that same ref had told him that Mayo had better not say anything during the game, and ignored his attempt to call time out during the incident, which would more than likely prevented the second technical.

GoldenEagle

01-30-2007, 03:54 PM

But did he make contact with his hands? If the quote of the rule in the article is complete, and he actually bumped him with his body instead of his hands, I can honestly see somebody lawyering up & trying to avoid punishment because they didn't use their hands.

It could be, as the school/organization is being restrained from administering punishment.

I think you can see a hand flying up that touches the ref. However, it looks like he was checking on the ref after he knocked him down. It seems unintentional, but he still sounds like a punk for getting the two techs.

WVUFAN

01-30-2007, 03:58 PM

For those interested, the video for the incident in question is here:

http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/5410146.html

DeToxRox

01-30-2007, 04:17 PM

OJ Mayo is gonna be so fun to follow.

I hear the Bengals may draft him.

GoldenEagle

01-30-2007, 04:42 PM

For those interested, the video for the incident in question is here:

http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/5410146.html

I stand corrected. I thought he was #21. Was that his posse leaving with him?

Eaglesfan27

01-30-2007, 06:05 PM

OJ Mayo is a serious punk. However, the ref seemed like he sold it a bit as well.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/basketball/ncaa/2007/01/flop-gate.html

I think you can see a hand flying up that touches the ref. However, it looks like he was checking on the ref after he knocked him down. It seems unintentional, but he still sounds like a punk for getting the two techs.

So, he went from being a serious punk to sounding like a punk? Do you know the kid at all? I don't. He may be a punk, but to judge him from this one incident seems awfully harsh.

GoldenEagle

01-30-2007, 06:53 PM

So, he went from being a serious punk to sounding like a punk? Do you know the kid at all? I don't. He may be a punk, but to judge him from this one incident seems awfully harsh.

One incident? It was about four.

1) Getting the first T for taunting
2) Getting the second T for taunting (and if you watch it, it was well justified.)
3) Pushing another play
4) Chasing down a ref who was walking toward the scorers table.

Lathum

01-30-2007, 07:06 PM

One incident? It was about four.

1) Getting the first T for taunting
2) Getting the second T for taunting (and if you watch it, it was well justified.)
3) Pushing another play
4) Chasing down a ref who was walking toward the scorers table.

so is every player who gets 2 technical fouls a "punk". I can only imagine how opposing teams treat this kid to try and get him off his game, I am sure some of them employ tactics that are less then sporting. It is understandable for a 17 year old kid to lose his cool.

VPI97

01-30-2007, 07:11 PM

so is every player who gets 2 technical fouls a "punk". I can only imagine how opposing teams treat this kid to try and get him off his game, I am sure some of them employ tactics that are less then sporting. It is understandable for a 17 year old kid to lose his cool.
You sound like a VT fan trying to explain Marcus Vick's stomp of Dumervil.

JPhillips

01-30-2007, 07:12 PM

It's also understandable for a 17 year old kid to get suspended when he gets two technical fouls.

Groundhog

01-30-2007, 07:16 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyQxPf3JKWM

Umm, WTF? He barely touched that ref, and the ref leaps to the ground - first forward, then changing direction to the side. Nice acting job Mr Ref, who was your sensei, Vlade Divac? You can see it clearly in that slowed-down youtube video.

Still, I think he deserved the double-tech for just being an ass, and if I was the ref I would have booted him too, but that ref deserves to get suspended as well for that flop.

KWhit

01-30-2007, 07:24 PM

They showed a different angle than I had previously seen today on PTI and he definitely bumped the ref. Didn't look to be too hard, but it wasn't a little tap either.

He deserved the suspension and more. I have no idea why the courts are getting involved here.

GoldenEagle

01-30-2007, 07:26 PM

so is every player who gets 2 technical fouls a "punk". I can only imagine how opposing teams treat this kid to try and get him off his game, I am sure some of them employ tactics that are less then sporting. It is understandable for a 17 year old kid to lose his cool.

Maybe if he just go the two technical fouls, I could see where you are coming from. But when you shove around another player and chase down a ref and bump him, that is a different story.

Lathum

01-30-2007, 07:43 PM

It's also understandable for a 17 year old kid to get suspended when he gets two technical fouls.

I agree he should be suspended. He broke the rues. But to label him a "punk" I think is premature. Who knows, he could be a horrible person but I think it is early to make that assumption.

st.cronin

01-30-2007, 07:45 PM

I don't trust anybody with the name OJ.

Lathum

01-30-2007, 07:50 PM

I don't trust anybody with the name OJ.

hah!!

Eaglesfan27

01-30-2007, 11:07 PM

One incident? It was about four.

1) Getting the first T for taunting
2) Getting the second T for taunting (and if you watch it, it was well justified.)
3) Pushing another play
4) Chasing down a ref who was walking toward the scorers table.

You never made any mistakes when you were 17? Were you judged as harshly? Seriously, I'm not defending what he did in the game, but I'm not ready to condemn his character based on one game of clearly bad judgment. I do agree with those that think he should serve his time for his mistake.

GoldenEagle

01-30-2007, 11:23 PM

You never made any mistakes when you were 17? Were you judged as harshly? Seriously, I'm not defending what he did in the game, but I'm not ready to condemn his character based on one game of clearly bad judgment. I do agree with those that think he should serve his time for his mistake.

Hopefully you are right. In the future, he might not be a punk. But right now, at least by viewing his actions in this game, he is one. I can see him in three years slapping someone at a fight at MSG and then backpedaling to mid-court.

DanGarion

01-31-2007, 12:01 AM

Maybe if he just go the two technical fouls, I could see where you are coming from. But when you shove around another player and chase down a ref and bump him, that is a different story.
Looking at it on youtube, it looks to be that Mayo was walking away, but the Ref decided to walk over to him, and then in front of him, which caused Mayo to bump him. I don't see that as being his fault.

MrBug708

01-31-2007, 12:08 AM

The courts stepping in and letting this kid play is just another step in giving kids the wrong message. The ref probably dived, but it's a sad day when a HS ref is trying to show up a star kid with a bad attitude. Any HS kid who taunts a ref should be tossed without bothering with the technicals.

Of course the bigger issue is the fact that the coach or the principle (who I think flies to every game) do not step in and suspend him for the game regardless. But heaven forbid the adults in this situation doing the right thing for this gold mine.

It's funny watching OJ Mayo being defended by the SC fans here. (Of course as a UCLA fan this is all making my day) It'll be a wonderful day when Bush gets USC on probation in football and Mayo gets SC on probation in basketball. Nothing like seeing the NCAA camp out at your rivals athletic department.

There is a reason why this kids finalist in basketball were Kansas State and USC. A kid this talented ignored by most major programs?

JPhillips

01-31-2007, 07:56 AM

Dangarion: I don't see how you can possibly say Mayo was walking away from the ref. I'm not sure how intentional the contact was, but he clearly was walking towards the ref to plead his case.

st.cronin

01-31-2007, 09:29 AM

I keep hoping this thread title is actually "OJ Simpson commits suicide".

GoldenEagle

01-31-2007, 10:33 AM

KWhit

01-31-2007, 10:36 AM

Looking at it on youtube, it looks to be that Mayo was walking away, but the Ref decided to walk over to him, and then in front of him, which caused Mayo to bump him. I don't see that as being his fault.

I think that is an entirely incorrect assessment of what happened.

MrBug708

01-31-2007, 12:20 PM

Yea, the USC fans are going to defend him. If it was Derrick Rose (Memphis recruit) then I would probably be doing the same thing. If it a UCLA player then MrBug would be defended him. It is the nature of it.

UCLA recruits wholesome players so I don't see how that is possible :) (For the record I was hoping UCLA was going to kick Medlock off the team)

DanGarion

01-31-2007, 02:07 PM

Dangarion: I don't see how you can possibly say Mayo was walking away from the ref. I'm not sure how intentional the contact was, but he clearly was walking towards the ref to plead his case.
Like I said I ONLY saw the youtube and from the angle it was at it appeared as if Mayo was walking away and that the Ref decided to cut him off. After finally getting to see the other angle it does appear that Mayo was approaching the ref and trying to plead his case. As for the ref falling... that seems like some improvisation on his part, he decided to take it upon himself to flop because the kid bumped him (regardless if the bump was on purpose). I don't think there can be a determination made if it was done on purpose from looking at either videos. And for those calling me out as a USC fan. When it comes to basketball I don't really give a shit, USC has sucked, I'm happy they appear to be improving, but I've never been one to be against rooting UCLA basketball. Bug knows this, we talked about it before. :)

miami_fan

02-09-2007, 06:36 PM

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-newswire10feb10,1,5077310.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

The final verdict

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- O.J. Mayo, one of the country's top high school basketball players who has signed with USC, will miss three games as punishment for being ejected and making contact with a referee in a Jan. 26 game.

The two-week suspension, retroactive to Feb. 3, was agreed to by Mayo's attorney, the Secondary School Activities Commission and Huntington High School.

Mayo called the suspension fair.

"I guess we have to serve whatever penalty we got, accept the consequences and move on," Mayo told reporters after a hearing in Cabell County Circuit Court in Huntington on an injunction that postponed sanctions for Mayo's actions.

Mayo's attorney, Mike Woelfel, said the player will serve the suspension during a home game Saturday against George Washington, on Monday at Parkersburg and next Thursday against Scott County, Ky.

The suspension will allow Mayo to play in the Mountain State Athletic Conference championship on Feb. 19 and in a game against St. Patrick, N.J. (18-1), the No. 1 team in USA Today's national boys high school poll. Huntington (16-1) is ranked sixth.

"I am happy. There had to be some closure to this," Woelfel said.

Mayo can attend school, practice and games during the suspension, and the SSAC agreed to have an automatic two-game suspension run concurrently with a three-game suspension imposed by the Huntington principal Greg Webb.

After referee Mike Lazo called two technical fouls on Mayo on Jan. 26, Mayo came into contact with him, causing the referee to fall to the floor as he approached the scorer's table, according to Lazo.

"O.J. understands how he should represent himself and the school," Webb said. "He's in agreement that that particular night, he didn't uphold to what he's expected to do."

Mike Hayden, the SSAC's executive director, was on vacation. Assistant director Gary Ray said the SSAC is "in agreement with the principal and the direction he is going."

One of the nation's top seniors who transferred this season from Cincinnati's North College Hill, Mayo signed a letter-of-intent in November to play next season at USC.

stevew

03-21-2007, 08:42 AM

And this is how it ends. Up by like 40 points in the state championship, he does a massive dunk and draws the ejection. Triple double for the night, and honestly winning the "state title game" by 40 some points is damn impressive. Must have been nice to get to watch him play at this level, even if he is a bit of a knucklehead.

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Eaglesfan27

03-21-2007, 08:46 AM

Scarecrow

03-21-2007, 10:20 AM

KWhit

03-21-2007, 10:29 AM

And this is how it ends. Up by like 40 points in the state championship, he does a massive dunk and draws the ejection.

He dunks the ball, throws it as hard as he can up into the stands, and then struts around like a damn peacock. What a punk.

stevew

03-21-2007, 10:42 AM

I think he's more of a "thug" if we're going to start using put-downs.

Poli

03-21-2007, 10:44 AM

Who is this OJ Mayo guy? Is he a running back?

MrBug708

03-21-2007, 12:24 PM

Sad that'll he's not even the best recruit coming to LA

Logan

03-21-2007, 12:28 PM

Who is this OJ Mayo guy?

Frankly, it sounds made up.

bulletsponge

03-21-2007, 01:42 PM

yea the more i hear and see this guy the more i get the feeling he will handle the money and fame in a bad way. it will take a diciplined GM to pass on him in the draft, but it will keep a franchise from taking a step back

sooner333

03-21-2007, 01:45 PM

Too bad OU has to go to USC next year for the Pac 10/Big XII Challenge. Oh well, better than having him in the conference with Huggins.

JPhillips

03-21-2007, 01:50 PM

What a worthless coach. You can't possibly find a good reason to praise a kid after that stunt.

Subby

03-21-2007, 02:02 PM

Hooray sportsmanship!

stevew

03-21-2007, 02:04 PM

Still prefer Mike Beasley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cntF7Lv7XtU) and Bill Walker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REo4WDmh8pw) to Mayo. They seem to have more level heads and don't appear to be destined for a 1 and done college career.

Okay, how exactly did Walker get into college? I thought he was in the same grade as Mayo. But I realize that he's "old" for his grade, hell Mayo is 19 going on 20 this year. So Walker tested out early or made up some credits? Im just curious, and it's hard to dig some of this shit up on google.

stevew

03-21-2007, 02:16 PM

nvmd, found some linkage via espn on how he got into school early. Interesting.

Karlifornia

03-21-2007, 02:47 PM

Does anybody else really hope that Mayo wears 32?

A USC player named OJ with a violent streak wearing #32.....

Eaglesfan27

03-21-2007, 03:47 PM

Sad that'll he's not even the best recruit coming to LA

Who is more talented?

DeToxRox

03-21-2007, 03:54 PM

Outside of Gordon I find it highly debatable that anyone has more talent coming into next year then Mayo. If Mayo were a 4.0 student who rescued kittens from burning buildings no one would dispute him as the top player in America. Unfortunatley for him (and justifiably so) he is being put under a microscope and dissected. Character aside however, Mayo on pure talent alone, is second to none, though Gordon is neck and neck.

Bruin fans need to get off the kool-aid.

VPI97

03-21-2007, 03:58 PM

IF (and it is a big IF) he can control his temper and his attitude, I could see USC going to a final 4 next year and maybe even winning it. He is just the best of a class that is going to have 5 really talented kids coming in. I doubt the team will get past North Carolina this year though.
The guy is a dipshit and will obviously be a cancer on the squad the first time he's asked to play team basketball. USC will be worse off for having him be a part of the team for a year.

Eaglesfan27

03-21-2007, 04:17 PM

The guy is a dipshit and will obviously be a cancer on the squad the first time he's asked to play team basketball. USC will be worse off for having him be a part of the team for a year.

That is why I put the qualifier. I could see him potentially ruining the team with his attitude..

However, I agree with DTRDVH - Mayo shows every sign of being one of the top 2 or 3 most talented incoming freshmen anywhere in the nation. I'm curious who Bug would argue is better.

Karlifornia

03-21-2007, 05:05 PM

Bug will say Kevin Love is better...even though he isn't.

Tigercat

03-21-2007, 05:16 PM

Looking at videos of Kevin Love, he looks like hes really just 6'8", which isn't bad for a college post player, but doesn't scream MOST TALENTED either. He also doesn't look very explosive or fast down the court either.

He may be a much, much more solid prospect than Mayo, but more talented? No way.

IMetTrentGreen

03-21-2007, 05:56 PM

let me just register my surprise that everyone thinks their teams recruit is the best.

Eaglesfan27

03-21-2007, 06:15 PM

let me just register my surprise that everyone thinks their teams recruit is the best.

The difference is OJ Mayo's talent is evident in almost every video you see of him. Of course, you probably have the market cornered on basketball knowledge, too.

st.cronin

03-21-2007, 06:24 PM

Please, there is no better prospect than Korie Lucious.

st.cronin

03-21-2007, 06:25 PM

I mean Jon Leuer.

KWhit

03-21-2007, 08:09 PM

I'm rooting for Mayo to fail spectacularly.

bhlloy

03-21-2007, 08:13 PM

I still think there is at least a 1 in 3 chance Mayo never suits up for USC. As a fan, that prospect doesn't sound like the end of the world to me either.

On the other hand, Tim Floyd has at least been in the NBA, so he does have experience dealing with prima donna's.

Logan

03-21-2007, 08:17 PM

LloydLungs

03-21-2007, 08:40 PM

Tim Floyd is a spectacular basketball coach, but he does not deal with prima donnas well and never has. The team he's assembling at USC in the near future is not the kind of team he would assemble if left to his own devices. But Mayo knocked on his door and asked to come, and basically he recruited some other players to come with him. There's no way Floyd could turn down that kind of talent, so it should be interesting.

Personally in the short term I do not think this is going to go well (by that I mean they will fall short of expectations; he'll still win plenty of games). Floyd is either going to frustrate Mayo by trying to rein him in and he'll start tanking, or he will change his way of dealing with players which may result in Mayo turning into the same kind of unhinged selfish loon that Baron Davis was on Floyd's Hornets. In the long term, though, I expect Floyd will be very, very successful at USC, as he already is. Just that things could be bumpy as long as Mayo's on the team.

RedKingGold

03-21-2007, 08:44 PM

How's Villanova doing on the recruiting trail. Anyone know?

BishopMVP

03-22-2007, 04:23 AM

let me just register my surprise that everyone thinks their teams recruit is the best.UMass has 8 recruits committed already according to Rivals/Scout, and is heavily involved with a 9th player :eek: ...with 6 scholarships to give out. So I've got options to pick from :)

RedKingGold

03-22-2007, 05:51 AM

let me just register my surprise that everyone thinks their teams recruit is the best.

Well, it's not our fault that we all don't know college sports as much as you do.

Scarecrow

03-22-2007, 12:28 PM

let me just register my surprise that everyone thinks their teams recruit is the best.

Not just me: http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=8&toinid=366&yr=2007

MrBug708

03-22-2007, 12:40 PM

Who is more talented?

Probably the kid who was named the High School player of the year

Dola; I didnt say talented, I said best recruit

MrBug708

03-22-2007, 12:41 PM

Neuqua

03-22-2007, 12:59 PM

That's because you are only aware of the midwest :)

As opposed to someone who forgets there is life outside southern California?

:)

Bee

03-22-2007, 01:00 PM

The guy is a dipshit and will obviously be a cancer on the squad the first time he's asked to play team basketball. USC will be worse off for having him be a part of the team for a year.

Everything I read about him seems to indicate that Mayo is a team player on the court. I expect his problems will be off the court because of his attitude.

MrBug708

03-22-2007, 01:04 PM

As opposed to someone who forgets there is life outside southern California?

:)

Im aware of Gordon and Rose. My initial comment had little to do with talent. Moreso with ability and teamwork.

Eaglesfan27

03-22-2007, 05:32 PM

Im aware of Gordon and Rose. My initial comment had little to do with talent. Moreso with ability and teamwork.

I guess time will tell, but if Mayo can keep his attitude/behavior in check and make the team better with his tremendous ability, he will win that argument of best recruit coming to LA in a landslide.

st.cronin

03-22-2007, 06:06 PM

I actually don't see a lot of HUGE red lights here. Some minor ones, but my guess is he'll turn out ok.

Logan

03-28-2007, 08:11 PM

I read something earlier today about how OJ Mayo was going to break the McD's AA scoring record tonight.

At the half, 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting. Whoops.

Dekanth

03-28-2007, 08:46 PM

I read something earlier today about how OJ Mayo was going to break the McD's AA scoring record tonight.

At the half, 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting. Whoops.

I hope his teammates at USC don't like to touch the ball. The kid is a huge blackhole.

Dekanth

03-28-2007, 08:56 PM

I hope his teammates at USC don't like to touch the ball. The kid is a huge blackhole.

Wow, that was an understatement! I guess he feels it is better to jack up shots from behind the backboard rather than look for a teammate. I really wanted to see what the hype is all about and he is probably forcing it on the big stage to show what he is made of, but still....I don't think he will ever make a teammate better, so to speak.

Dekanth

03-28-2007, 09:00 PM

...and he is not money either. Missed the game winning, wide open shot.

Can I hate him already? :D

Karlifornia

03-28-2007, 09:02 PM

...and he is not money either. Missed the game winning, wide open shot.

Can I hate him already? :D

It appears you already do.

Dekanth

03-28-2007, 09:07 PM

It appears you already do.

Nah, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now, but that was an AWFUL performance, and if you are going to have off court antics as he has, then you better be able to ball.

MrBug708

03-28-2007, 09:23 PM

*clank*

Leonidas

03-29-2007, 11:27 AM

Ohio State didn't even recruit him when he was in Cincinnati. That should tell you something.

KWhit

03-29-2007, 11:29 AM

Ohio State didn't even recruit him when he was in Cincinnati. That should tell you something.

Yeah.

Maurice Clarett warned them that Mayo was a bit of a troublemaker.

Logan

05-11-2008, 08:52 AM

Anybody watching this Outside the Lines on the illegal benefits Mayo had allegedly been receiving? I'm not sure how much of this is new news, but it seems pretty iron clad.

MrBug708

05-11-2008, 11:41 AM

Where to start, where to start.

Howland was good to stay away from Mayo

Love > Mayo

USC was nailed with two scholarship losses for this past season; It's not like the NCAA isn't already snooping around the football program

Mayo did nothing to improve USC in the eyes of any kids

MrBug708

05-11-2008, 11:44 AM

Ah man, I quoted all of the funny statements in this thread and it didnt work. :(

Oh well, I'm sure the SC fans will probably admit the Mayo experience failed

MrBug708

05-11-2008, 11:57 AM

Follow up article by Forde
----------------------------------
In a just world, USC basketball would have something in common with SMU football in the near future.

The death penalty.

It's not going to happen, because NCAA bylaws don't work that way. And besides, they're not likely to ever again disband a program for a year after the smoking crater it left at SMU.

But USC deserves it. The school has so far escaped facing NCAA prosecution for compelling allegations that star tailback Reggie Bush and his family were lavishly compensated by an aspiring agent while playing for the Trojans. Now comes a devastating, thoroughly documented "Outside The Lines" report that goes into stunning detail about the money and gifts star guard O.J. Mayo allegedly received before and during his one season at USC.

All right under USC's chronically blind eyes.

You can plead ignorance once -- and even that was almost impossible to believe, in the case of Bush. Plead it twice? Um, no. USC should be crushed by the NCAA, the Pacific-10 and its own administration.

Especially with a player everyone in Hoopsworld strongly suspected was no amateur before he set foot in Los Angeles. You had to search hard to find a soul who didn't think O.J. Mayo had been prostituted for years as his prep legend grew, starting in seventh grade. (Put it this way: When early Mayo confidant Sonny Vaccaro gets muscled out of the scene, somebody's bringing some serious juice to the table.)

So you take the Bush allegations, add a side of Mayo and ask the question: Has there ever been a more textbook definition of "lack of institutional control"?

If all the allegations stand up, USC athletic director Mike Garrett and the Inspector Clouseaus who comprise his compliance staff must lose their jobs over these serial embarrassments, or the school has no credibility whatsoever. When USC's two highest-profile sports both have star players allegedly on the brazen take from agents, somebody needs to answer for it. A lot of somebodies.

Or USC can take its ignorance and explain it to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, which shouldn't be in much of a mood to listen if the same "OTL" facts are presented to NCAA investigators as compellingly as they were on national TV and on this Web site Sunday.

According to the an "OTL" investigation, Mayo received thousands of dollars worth of clothes. A flat-screen TV for his dorm. Hotel rooms for him and his friends. And receipts for all of them, provided to ESPN by insider-turned-whistle-blower Louis Johnson (whose stories were remarkably consistent and verifiable, according to those who worked on the piece).

But it gets better: The swag allegedly was financed by a man named Rodney Guillory, who previously had gotten former USC guard Jeff Trepagnier in trouble for accepting agent kickbacks. Not only did that fail to get Guillory banned from campus, he wound up a fixture within the program. Of course, who wouldn't want a 43-year-old scammer hanging around a college freshman?

According to transcripts from OTL's interviews with Johnson, Guillory was sitting in the USC basketball offices when Mayo's signed letter-of-intent rolled off the fax machine. Johnson also said coach Tim Floyd talked frequently with Guillory about Mayo, whenever "issues" arose.

In the wake of this, it's hilarious to listen to Floyd's interview on "Pardon The Interruption" before Mayo started his brief career at USC. In a previous episode, Michael Wilbon had arched an eyebrow about taking someone with Mayo's red flags into the program. Floyd's response made Mayo sound like a tragically misunderstood Eagle Scout.

According to Floyd, Mayo was raised by a single mother who didn't have the money to pay a big cell-phone bill -- which ostensibly is why Guillory discouraged Floyd from calling him during his recruitment. Floyd also said the kid "doesn't have anything" materially.

Despite that, the USC coach apparently never got around to wondering how the poor child from Huntington, W. Va., could afford the expensive clothes on his back or the expensive shoes on his feet. How about the flat-screen TV in his dorm? That never set off an alarm? If the answer is that USC coaches or compliance workers never set foot in Mayo's dorm room … why the hell not?

When you recruit someone radioactive, you better have everything checked down to the smallest detail. Or else your program turns into Three Mile Island.

Johnson told ESPN that he believes USC did not know about any of the kickbacks Mayo allegedly received. Why?
More on Mayo

The story of O.J. Mayo, Louis Johnson and Rodney Guillory is a unique and complex one. ESPN's Kelly Naqi has additional details. Story

"I think after the Reggie Bush fiasco that they would have definitely taken steps to prevent this type of thing from happening again," Johnson said.

Except they apparently didn't. Which is astonishing. And damning.

(However, it would not qualify as "repeat violator" status with the NCAA. The school has not been penalized -- or even charged -- in the Bush affair, and until that happens, USC would not fall under the repeat violator umbrella. That's why it couldn't get the death penalty. But a postseason ban would seem to be both plausible and justifiable.)

You have to assume USC simply didn't want to know. Didn't want to know the extent to which runners already had set their hooks into their highest-profile basketball recruit ever. The Trojans knew they were in this deal for one year before Mayo turned pro, and they probably just averted their gaze, hoped nothing blew up and the victories piled up.

It's a scenario playing out right now on many other campuses nationwide, guaranteed. Agents and their runners are identifying who can play as early as colleges are, and commencing the jockeying for position. And we all know what wins most of those turf wars: money and favors. Most top-flight young basketball players have at least been offered plenty before college, even if they haven't accepted it.

It's a problem the NCAA desperately needs to get a grip on if college basketball is going to maintain even a hint of legitimate relationship to higher education. The sport's repeatedly pilloried reputation took another big hit with this revelation, but perhaps it will spur other Louis Johnsons to tell the truth about what's going on in college hoops and youth basketball.

And as for USC?

Fight on.

And deny on.

DeToxRox

05-11-2008, 11:59 AM

This is me eating crow.

I still think Mayo will be a far better pro then college player though.

MrBug708

05-11-2008, 12:13 PM

Here is an example of the take by USC fans on this topic

ESPN ran a report this morning that OJ received illegal benefits in high school and while at SC. Now, at the time I was helping my brother-in-law install a door, so I only caught bits and pieces. But, if any of this pans out, I think it's time that people start thinking about imposing felony charges against these agents. This is ridiculous. SC said that they and the NCAA had thoroughly reviewed OJ's status before and during his playing time at SC and found no improper dealings. But I think it's time to put a bit into the law that makes these money hungry sharks think twice before approaching college athletes.

Chief Rum

05-11-2008, 01:35 PM

Here is an example of the take by USC fans on this topic

But is that representative, Bug? Not sure it's fair to take one person's take and place it as a general stance for the entire student and alumni population of USC.

That said, what a cluster**** this Mayo thing is.

MrBug708

05-11-2008, 01:43 PM

But is that representative, Bug? Not sure it's fair to take one person's take and place it as a general stance for the entire student and alumni population of USC.

For most of them? Ya. But they are taking the same stance that they are with the whole Reggie Bush saga. :)

That said, what a cluster**** this Mayo thing is.

Indeed. Makes you not want Sidney huh?

Chief Rum

05-11-2008, 01:49 PM

For most of them? Ya. But they are taking the same stance that they are with the whole Reggie Bush saga. :)

Indeed. Makes you not want Sidney huh?

If he's sold out, certainly, and I don't care if he would bring Stephenson with him. Guys like that should be declared ineligible from the get-go.

Of course, I will admit, if we end up with Bobo, my desire for an actual big man from the 2009 class would go down a lot anyway.

Crapshoot

05-11-2008, 02:05 PM

Meh, more power to the kid. If he can benefit while his coach, the school and everyone else makes money of him, why not?

Chief Rum

05-11-2008, 02:19 PM

Meh, more power to the kid. If he can benefit while his coach, the school and everyone else makes money of him, why not?

I guess that's fine if it's all on the up and up and everyone has the same "opportunity" to buy a player into their program. But that's not the case.

RedKingGold

05-11-2008, 08:16 PM

Meh, more power to the kid. If he can benefit while his coach, the school and everyone else makes money of him, why not?

Bingo.

I'll never understand why college athletes are criminalized for taking money from others during college.

st.cronin

05-12-2008, 09:24 AM

Bingo.

I'll never understand why college athletes are criminalized for taking money from others during college.

Mayo is not going to be in any trouble whatsoever.

RedKingGold

05-12-2008, 09:39 AM

Mayo is not going to be in any trouble whatsoever.

I meant more by public opinion than the actual criminal system itself.

wade moore

05-12-2008, 09:40 AM

Bingo.

I'll never understand why college athletes are criminalized for taking money from others during college.

fwiw - they're criminalized because it's against the rules.

They're bad rules, no doubt about that, but they are the rules.

DeToxRox

05-13-2008, 09:35 PM

Well, looks like USC is in trouble.

MrBug708

05-13-2008, 09:42 PM

SOmething new?

DeToxRox

05-13-2008, 09:48 PM

Not sure how new but Myles Brand said there is new evidence and they're investigating. I haven't followed this whole thread since the other day so I am not sure.

DeToxRox

05-13-2008, 09:50 PM

Also .. Will this finally lead to some investigating of the football program?

Groundhog

05-13-2008, 09:53 PM

I've lost all faith in the amateur student-athlete concept. :(

MrBug708

05-13-2008, 10:09 PM

New evidence? Of course, ESPN did all of the legwork for them :)

Eaglesfan27

05-15-2008, 02:18 PM

The NCAA has clarified their statement and said they have no new evidence, but that they are investigating the new claims. Meanwhile, OJ has come back with a strong statement of innocence via the LA Times:

Former USC player O.J. Mayo denies he accepted improper benefits

Basketball player calls the accusations he accepted tens of thousands of dollars from Los Angeles promoter 'a publicity stunt' and is convinced NCAA will find he did nothing wrong.

By Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
May 15, 2008
Calling the accusations against him "a publicity stunt," O.J. Mayo on Wednesday emphatically denied allegations that he accepted cash and gifts in violation of NCAA rules and said his accuser might be striking back after he severed ties between them.

Mayo said he would cooperate with investigations by the NCAA and Pacific 10 Conference after a report he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in prohibited extra benefits before and during the one season he played basketball for USC.

USC Blogger Adam Rose on ESPN 'Nothing to hide'"My family hasn't accepted anything, so I'm just waiting for the NCAA to do what they have to do to prove that I haven't done anything wrong," Mayo said.

Louis Johnson, a former Mayo confidant who worked as a sportswriter and has a cocaine conviction, claimed L.A. events promoter Rodney Guillory was given a new luxury sports utility vehicle and about $200,000 in cash, funneling a portion of what he received to Mayo on behalf of a sports agent.

Johnson, who made the accusations on a segment of ESPN's "Outside the Lines," said he was an associate of Guillory's before they had a falling out.

Mayo had just completed his last school final when he paused to speak to a reporter.

"I can't speak for what Rodney has done," he said. "God forbid, he hasn't done anything. But I know for a fact that I haven't accepted anything."

Johnson said the SUV and cash Guillory received came from Bill Duffy Associates Sports Management, and he produced receipts to show that Guillory had provided Mayo with food, clothes and other services.

When Mayo announced he was leaving USC to turn pro, he also announced that his agent would be BDA vice president Calvin Andrews.

Duffy told the SportsBusiness Journal late Tuesday that he had documentation proving his agency had not broken rules.

Mayo said he wasn't worried about the receipts because "you can get a of receipts without any trail."

Johnson claimed a flat-screen television in Mayo's dorm room was a gift from Guillory, but Mayo said he had brought it with him from home in Huntington, W.Va.

Mayo also said he paid his own way when he went shopping and ate with Guillory.

"I understand compliance and I understand the rules," Mayo said. "Any meal, I wouldn't pay for everybody but I would at least pay my end. When I went to go shop every once in a while, [Guillory] might have taken me to the store in his vehicle, but he didn't pay for any clothes for me."

Mayo suggested Johnson was motivated by revenge. Mayo said he told Guillory to sever their relationship with Johnson because Johnson's conviction for attempting to sell cocaine "could be a distraction knowing how the NBA investigates" prospective players.

"I don't know if [Johnson] took it and wanted to come back after Rodney," Mayo said. "I heard that he's trying to do a book, so more than anything it could be a publicity stunt."

Mayo said he didn't feel betrayed by Johnson but that he was "mad at the fact that he said I accepted some money. I never have received money from Rodney, Louis, BDA or anything. All I got was a monthly $450 check from USC or I have friends and family that send me money."

Jeff Silberman, Johnson's attorney, denied that his client is motivated by publicity.

"The point of this story is to fix the system and avoid exploitation of future athletes and not in any way to hurt O.J.," Silberman said.

Mayo said that he and Guillory, who could not be reached for comment, had not spoken since the allegations surfaced and that he would rather keep their relationship "kind of distant until I get to the bottom of things."

"I pray and hope that Rodney hasn't accepted anything from any agents," said Mayo, adding that he was unaware of a fake charity from which Johnson said Guillory withdrew funds. "He definitely didn't persuade me toward BDA."

Mayo said he picked BDA because of his comfort level with Andrews and its list of clients that includes Steve Nash and Yao Ming.

Guillory's relationship with Mayo dates to the eighth grade, Mayo said, adding that his friend never attempted to steer him toward BDA or USC.

"I didn't come to USC because of Rodney . . . I came to better myself, get away from home," Mayo said. "That's why I got as far away as possible from home so I'd have time to focus on doing the right thing."

Mayo said he was aware of the trouble Guillory caused former college players Jeff Trepagnier and Tito Maddox, who came under NCAA scrutiny in 2000 for accepting free airline tickets from Guillory.

"I was looking for things like that and he never came across like that," Mayo said of Guillory.

Mayo apologized for the criticism directed at USC and Trojans Athletic Director Mike Garrett because of the allegations and said he was upset he had been portrayed in a light similar to that of former USC football star Reggie Bush, who has been accused of taking illegal extra benefits from a failed sports marketer.

"If you rode to my mother's house, it's still a two-bedroom house, one floor," Mayo said. "She still drives the same Toyota Corolla that she drove for the last three years and is still trying to meet ends. So for them to say I received $30,000 or whatever the case is, I definitely don't think that's enough to sell out myself and my family."

Following the interview, Mayo slipped into a new red Porsche Cayenne GTS with two friends and drove off, saying he was headed to Chicago for workouts in advance of next month's NBA draft.

Good article except for the sentence at the end which they don't clarify is likely due to the [B]legal advance that his agent has now given him since he has declared for the draft (just like LeBron got a Hummer before he was drafted.) Of course, OJ could still be guilty, but I'm glad to see him defending himself.