USC manager fired for deflating balls in loss to Oregon
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California says it has fired a student manager who intentionally deflated game footballs below NCAA-mandated pressure levels for the Trojans' loss to Oregon last week.
USC announced the dismissal of the unnamed student manager on its website late Wednesday night.
The school says it was reprimanded and fined by the Pac-12.
Underinflated footballs are thought to be easier to catch and throw. The Ducks had little trouble throwing or catching throughout their 62-51 win, the worst defensive performance in USC history.
USC says game officials discovered some of the underinflated footballs before the game and others at halftime, fixing the balls before the second half.
USC says the student manager acknowledged he deflated the balls of his own accord after they had been checked by officials before the game.
If they were required to use an official Nerf football, they would certainly gain the benefit of easier to catch and throw footballs.Â
We could restrict weight/height standards to reduce injuries....say 67" and 170lbs.
They couldn't flat out run...a moderate shuffle at the most
There would be no yardage penalties. Instead they would get a "teaching moment" verbal reprimand.
There would be no clear "winner" at the end of the game. Everyone would get a trophy...
WHHHEEEEeeeeeeeeee!
Other news media says the fine was $25,000. KIffen spends $25K before breakfast most mornings....
Since both teams got the same number of passing touchdowns in the 1st half, no problem. Wonder if this has been happening to other visiting teams who tended to rely on the run game instead of having Lee and Woods passing game.