Friday Hot Links

#1 Must-Read, Drop-Everything Link Of The Day

• O.J. Mayo's hometown paper lends some real perspective on the life of this young man, pointing out the treacherous road he's traveled. [Herald-Dispatch]
  • #1a: Michael Wilbon concurs. [Washington Post]

Good News

• Everything is done with the USC-Coliseum deal. The one surprise? Everybody's happy. [L.A. Times]
• Commencement is today, and Keith Rivers is reminiscing on his blog. FYI, Disney chief Robert Iger is this year's speaker. [Yardbarker]
• The USC coaches tour (Pete Carroll, Tim Floyd) starts May 28th. [USC]
• Sedrick Ellis is adjusting to life in New Orleans. [Scout]
• Regardless of what happens with USC, O.J. Mayo's high school team would not have to face any penalties. [ESPN]
• Willie McGinest is staying in the NFL one more year because the Browns look like a contender. [ESPN]
• Women's hoops landed a second top-40 recruit, who sent the school her decision with a funny photo. [ESPN]
• Somebody's already trying to predict the bowl games. [Scout]

Bad News

• Lofa Tatupu apologized for his recent arrest. You have to wonder why the $42-million man was driving a Hyundai. [Seattle Times]
• Former USC swimmer Erik Vendt was surprised by a lawsuit over his swimsuit. [L.A. Times]
• No surprise, the NCAA has contacted Louis Johnson. [L.A. Times]

Ugly News

• Menelaus (I presume named after the king of Greece who fought Troy) has compiled a lengthy list of allegations against USC. The comment section gets a little spicy, and it was picked up by Deadspin. [Bruins Nation]

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Comments

[pk-in-the-mesa]

Wow Adam, those bruin’s nation guys are bitter and they even hate among themselves, sad

Do the Trojan's have a blog as well, because I feel it is a waste of time but the reading is somewhat entertaining

[aw]

Regarding article from Mayo's hometown newspaper that we should feel sorry for OJ because all he was looking for is a father figure.

It may be true, but do we have to use this as the excuse for every wanna bee basketball star that grows up with an absent father. Every top notch athlete or coach that has a 5 star athlete is very aware about what will make them ineligible. I'm sure a school like SC has mandatory NCAA rules eligibility lectures for all of their athletes. So if OJ did break the rules, you can't go around making up excuses for him. He definitely knew what he was doing.

Whether you like the rules or not, our society is based upon rules and consequences for breaking those rules. Unfortunately SC may be the only one that will be punished in this case.

As far as paying for meals, OJ's scholarship does come with a full meal plan. It's not like he's starving. During the BB season the players are also fed very well at excellent restaurants, so getting a good meal is also a very poor excuse!!

AW