The USC Trojans did something sketchy against the Michigan Wolverines. While the Trojans won fair and square against the Wolverines by a score of 31-13, they didn’t exactly do things by the book.
The Big Ten fined USC $5,000 for playing running back Bryan Jackson despite Jackson being listed as out on the final injury report before the game. USC lost two running backs due to injury in the game, including Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders.
Jackson didn’t even suit up for the game, but apparently found
his pads and helmets because he was inserted in the fourth quarter. Jackson has been dealing with a turf toe injury, and this was his first appearance for USC since their season opener. Jackson rushed five times against Michigan for 35 yards with a rushing touchdown.
Here’s what the Big Ten said about Jackson playing.
“On Saturday, USC listed a student-athlete as ‘out’ on its availability report for the game against Michigan, but that student-athlete later participated in the game. The student-athlete had previously been sidelined due to injury and did not initially dress in uniform for the game; however, following a sequence of unfortunate injuries that occurred in the first half at the student-athlete’s position, he was medically cleared to play, suited up, and later entered the game.
“Although these circumstances were unfortunate, it is critical for availability reports to be accurate. Consequently, the conference is imposing a $5,000 fine and admonishes all institutions to use the ‘out’ designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game. The conference considers the matter closed and will have no further comment.”
While USC putting Jackson in the game may not have had nefarious or ill intent, it’s still an odd situation and one that seems not to be getting much scrutiny. A $5,000 fine for an institution like USC is next to nothing, and for the Big Ten to say the matter is closed before any discourse can even unfold is puzzling. What if the game were closer and Jackson scored the decisive touchdown? Would Jackson being allowed to suit up be viewed differently? At the very least, this is a weird situation.
