USC Meets With NCAA To Discuss College Football Sanctions

Sports News - February 19th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

Good news, Seantrel Henderson.

Today's the big day.

University of Southern California officials met with the NCAA Infractions Committee on Thursday, the first of a three-day saga that will determine the future of the football program.

It is the final stage of a four-year investigation launched against the program after several former players were implicated for receiving extra benefits from boosters.

No school officials commented on the issue, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole, due to strict limitations set by the NCAA's governors. Former head coach Pete Carroll attended the meeting, as well as running backs coach Todd McNair.

By Monday, the school, and it's recruits, will know how heavy the sanctions will be going forward.

Henderson is one of those recruits. The country's no. 1 offensive lineman committed to the Trojans on signing day, but then opened the door for a change if the sanctions were too strong. He said he would make a final decision once the investigation is completely over, and he has an idea where USC stands. Miami and Ohio State are likely his secondary destinations.

Most of the school's other commitments, however, didn't waiver. In Lane Kiffin's first year, he wrapped up what some consider to be the top recruiting class in the country, with five five-stars and 14 four-stars, according to Rivals.com.

Bodog lists the Trojans as a 15/1 favorite to win the national title in 2010, according to College Football Betting Lines .

One of the major cases for the NCAA was that of 2005 Heisman-winner Reggie Bush. He was outed by Yahoo! Sports towards the end of his college career for having a peculiarly luxurious lifestyle. His family lived rent free in an upscale home, and he had a new car. It is alleged that Bush received the benefits from a marketing agent, who hoped the running back would, in turn, sign with his agency once a pro.

Basketball star O.J. Mayo was also implicated for receiving benefits, but the basketball program has already imposed sanctions on itself, including forfeiture of wins.