If history is any measure, the sanctions imposed on USC Thursday by the NCAA will have a lengthy effect on the Trojans football program, one that could last for decades. In 1980, USC was put on probation and banned from bowl games by the Pacific 10 for improprieties by the coaching staff, which was caught scalping tickets and then giving the money to USC players. T-shirts were sold at the USC-UCLA game that year which read "Probation Bowl."
Over the next 25 years, USC, under John Robinson, who left the school after the 1982 season to coach the Los Angeles Rams, Ted Tollner, Larry Smith, Robinson again for a second stint, and Paul Hackett, had successful teams which qualified for post-season play, including several appearances in the Rose Bowl. But the Trojans, who won the national championship in 1978, did not win another one until 2003.
It will be interesting to see if athletic director Mike Garrett keeps his job. It's hard to imagine how he can survive the continuing turmoil in his department.
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