USC Responds to NCAA Decision

The NCAA agreed with South Carolina's self-imposed sanctions and on Friday ordered the school to forfeit six football scholarships over the next two seasons, pay a $18,500 fine and receive three years of probation.

The school is being reprimanded for failing to monitor its athletics program.

According to the NCAA investigation, 12 student-athletes lived in local hotel while paying a daily rate of less than $15 per person, an amount that was considerably less than what was available to the general student population.

The report also states that nine student-athletes received special loan arrangements by deferring rent payments through an agreement with the hotel. In total, the student-athletes received approximately $51,000 in extra benefits and preferential treatment.

The NCAA case also found that two boosters provided more than $8,000 from their foundation for recruiting inducements and extra benefits to football prospects and student-athletes. The benefits from the boosters included cash, gift cards, entertainment and funding of multiple unofficial visits, according to the report.

“The University regrets the past actions and decisions by individuals that resulted in violations of NCAA legislation,” Eric Hyman, USC Director of Athletics said. “We are pleased, however, that the Committee on Infractions found the corrective actions we have taken and the penalties we have self-imposed reflect the University’s commitment to full compliance with NCAA rules.”

Read the NCAA findings.