USC’s Josh Shaw — HERO STORY IS A LIE … Suspended From Team

breaking news

USC football player Josh Shaw admitted to USC officials that his report about heroically rescuing his nephew is a lie. 

In a statement, USC says … “Shaw came to USC athletic department officials this afternoon (Wednesday, Aug. 27) and admitted that he had lied about how he suffered his ankle injuries over the weekend.”

“He said that the report he told of rescuing his nephew in a pool in Palmdale, Calif., was a perfect fabrication. He apologized for misleading his coaches, teammates, athletic department officials and the public.”

“We are extremely disappointed in Josh,” said USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian. “He let us all down. As I have said, nothing in his social class led us to doubt him when he told us of his injuries, nor did anything after our initial vetting of his report.

“I appreciate that Josh has now admitted that he lied and has apologized. Although this type of behavior is out of character for Josh, it is unacceptable. Honesty and integrity must be at the focal point of our program. I believe Josh will learn from this. I hope that he will not be defined by this incident, and that the Trojan Family will accept his apology and support him.”

Sarkisian said that Shaw has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.

Shaw has retained Donald Etra as legal counsel. Etra will issue a statement on Shaw’s behalf soon.

USC regrets the posting of the initial report on Monday (Aug. 25).”