Pete Carroll peeved about Mark Sanchez leaving USC for the NFL

Pete Carroll flew in Wednesday night from Hawaii, but he didn't look relaxed the following morning.

After his starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez, announced that he would forgo his final year at USC and enter the NFL draft, Carroll expressed disappointment and firmly disagreed with the decision.

Though Carroll said he was supportive of Sanchez as a member of the Trojan family, he was visibly agitated by the choice. After making a quick statement, the Trojan football coach stood up to take questions from the media. His posture said everything. So did his voice ...

Sanchez has 72 hours to withdraw his name from the draft if he doesn't hire an agent. Don't hold your breath, but Carroll will probably waste a lot of his. Even though Sanchez seemed emotional and it was clearly a difficult decision, the bottom line favored him leaving early. With Tim Tebow (Florida), Colt McCoy (Texas), and Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) returning to their teams, Sanchez's only rival for the top quarterback spot in the draft is Matt Stafford (Georgia).

For more on the Sanchez decision:

• Video of Mark Sanchez making his announcement (2 mins).
• Poll question: Did Sanchez make the right choice?

-- Adam Rose

Comments

[Bill Baldwin, Jr.]

Pete Carroll has every right to be upset, and he will be first in a long line of Trojans to express that same view.

Here's mine. Had Sanchez declared his intentions soon after the Rose Bowl, I would have said OK, but pointed out he would benefit in so many ways by coming back for his senior year. This is a time when, as others in the past have noted, you never get back if you throw away your last year and turn pro.

Then, Taylor Mays announced he was returning for his senior year and still Sanchez was not saying yes or no. It became obvious to me that this was a decision being calculated for maximum financial gain and that's all it is.

Therefore, thanks for the one season as a starter, good luck and don't let the door hit you on the way out. We have a number of talented QB's ready and waiting to take your place, Mark. You will have riches a year ahead of schedule. Good for you and your agent.

You will have lost the esteem of people like me, a Trojan alumnus from the 1967 class. No biggie, I'm sure for you at this stage of your life. In a few years, it will begin to dawn on you just what you have sacrificed today.

And if I were you, I wouldn't count on ever being on the sidelines with other Trojan greats Allen, White and Lott. You're not in the class and not just the senior variety

[Jason]

Honestly... from a financial point of view, he made the correct decision. He is easily better than stafford form georgia in my opinion. However, he did not appear to prove himself at USC.. well that is how I see it at least.

In 10 years, most people will probably not remember him unless he has a successful pro career. I think he should have lived it up in college for now. Not only was he going to be a front runner for the heisman, but all of his offense was returning next year, next year would have been his year to prove himself.

Oh well, not its time to step up Aaron Thorpe, or Mitch Mustain... whoever gets the job... I kinda hope mitch does, because him and damian williams have played together since high school and williams is USC's most talented receiver. Also, thorpe is only a freshman, he will has his day eventually.

[Daniel Zamora]

Mark Sanchez made the correct decision. USC alums should praise such a great kid not knock him down. I believe Pete lost a couple of recruits with the way he handle today's press conference.

[Brendan]

Pete Carroll is upset because he isn't comfortable with any of backups. Bill, your comment about Mark positioning himself for maximum financial gain is completely correct. But what's wrong with that? Pete Carroll, just like every other coach out there, sells high school kids on their program's ability to get these athletes into the NFL, where they will make the big $$$. That being the case, why are you faulting Sanchez for making this move?

Emotion aside (and deciding when to turn pro SHOULD be a completely emotionless process) when you calculate the risk/reward in staying for another year there is a whole lot of risk for very little reward. Sanchez will be competing with Stafford, Harrell, Davis of Ball State and maybe one or two more guys. If he stuck around there is the risk of re-injury AND he would be competing with Bradford, McCoy, Tebow and plenty of other talent that could emerge next year.

STATISTICALLY, from the 2001 to 2008 draft no less than 3 and no more than 5 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first 2 rounds. Should that trend continue (and with KC and Detroit both desperately needing a QB, among others, I believe that it will) All Sanchez has to do is beat out Harrell or Davis and all of the unmentioned ones and he will be picked in the first two rounds.

Can you say that that would be the case next year? If Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan impresses at the combine and Jevan Snead builds upon this year's performance at USC, Sanchez could become the #6 QB on the board (pushing himself out of the first two rounds).

One one final note, players drafted in the first two rounds don't always make it but because the teams have invested so much in them (that evil money) the teams are more patient in letting them develop. Maybe Sanchez will be a bust. Maybe he would've been a bust even if he stayed one more year. By going now he's guaranteeing himself a solid paycheck and the patience of the team that drafted him so at least he's giving himself the best shot to succeed.

[Hugh Johnson]

He made the right choice for him. He is worth millions more in this year's draft then next year's.

To Bill Baldwin Jr. Your comment makes you sound petty. It's about Mark's future not your viewing pleasure.

Football, even on the college level, is a business. Mark made a sound business decision. Now let's see if the extra money will keep him warm in K.C. or Detroit.

[Will]

Wow Bill, chill out. Why can't you be happy for this kid? He's a kid, not an oldy like you who has his life all set. What's he going to do if he blows out his knee next year and goes undrafted? It's not like he's transferring to UCLA or something, the guy is making a life decision, and for you to crap all over him for that shows how immature you are despite being nearly 60.

[Todd]

Pete Carroll and his staff do an excellent job of assisting players in evaluating their prospect draft status. Does anyone remember Mike Williams??? Sanchez has started a total of 16 games in four years. What was his draft status prior to the Penn State game?? I wish him well and I understand the current market, but I think tend to agree with the other nfl scouts who have commented, a bit premature...

[Terry Kesner]

Sanchez made the correct decsion. He's graduating with the class he came in with (cushing, ellison,etc). He's going to be the first or second qb taken in a year where 4-6 teams need quarterback, he's spent four years in the system, represented the university wonderfully. Wh stay and risk injury or plummeting stock. Brian Brohm was projected 1 st pick in the draft in 2006, he stayed and went late in the 2nd round in 2007. It gave the scouts another year to point out holes in his game as well as fall in love with another "flavor of the month." He's earned his degree put himself in a position to make millions. Duh, this is a no brainer. It sucks for USC but Mark has to do what's best for him not what's best for USC fans. It's not his fault Carroll chose to start him for one year, Mark was willing to play every year he was here. Instead he sat behind a guy who ended up being a fifth round draft pick. Mark owes us nothing he's done everything right.

[MarkV]

I don't care about Mark Sanchez specifically. He will do what he wants. Its the process I am against. The NFL, for all their talk about encouraging college players to finish their education, has made it too viable and too tempting. Most good jobs require the actual award of a diploma-not professional sports. They make the money tempting and kids that age aren't mature enough to handle it (LenDale, Dwayne) or they get sidelined with an injury (Reggie, Matt) or because someone is just a bit better than them when it is supposed to be THEIR turn (Matt). Pete is 100% right. Stay the full term, do more good things for the old alma mater, get a complete degree and then go pro. Pro is a short enough tenure and there is little available after football (commentator? NutriSystem spokesman?)... The NFL is a meatmarket and once you are done, you are DONE. "Yeah, he had that good year, but what's he done for us lately?" And then you fade from view and no college diploma to boot.

[Bobby Jefferson]

Carroll's comments, like those of Bill Baldwin, Jr., are petty, vindictive and classless. They don't care about Mark Sanchez, they only care about the Trojans 2009 season. How did an extra year benefit Matt Leinart? he cost himself about $20 million dollars and now carries a clipboard in Arizona. For Carroll to behave that way at the kid's press conference was disgusting and is a rare glimpse of the real man.

[Bill Baldwin, Jr.]

Reader Hugh Johnson wrote above:
"To Bill Baldwin, Jr. Your comment makes you sound petty. It's Mark's future not your viewing pleasure"

You're entitled to your opinion, Mr. Johnson, and you'll forgive me if I disagree on your characterization of me as petty, unless you might be referring to Tom Petty, then I'd say, cool.

I was one who wanted Mark Sanchez as the starter LAST year and that's one reason I am less than enchanted with his decision to leave early. But the central issue for me is not that Mark Sanchez is leaving, but how he orchestrated his departure. To drag it out to the very last moment was unfair to his teammates, Coach Carroll, the University and the student body.

As to my "viewing pleasure", as you phrased it, it will be well served by having any of the remaining QB's in charge of an offense that returns everybody BUT Mark Sanchez.

One can also argue the soundness of the business decision to leave at this time, given a variety of factors which would mitigate in his favor after quite probably winning the Heisman, gaining another year of experience as a starter, and experiencing, as Matt Leinart can attest to so well, the once in a lifetime opportunity to play for USC as a senior.

Jason's comment above about the likelihood that Mark Sanchez won't be remembered in ten years unless he's a top pro, is unfortunately right on target.In time, Mark Sanchez will come to realize that he made a huge mistake in leaving early from a university and a football program he professed to love. A sentiment one now must question, and that's too bad for all concerned.

If it's being petty on my part to state the cold, hard facts of the matter, then I plead guilty.

[Major Woody]

He's easily replaceable. Sayonara Sanchez. Have fun as a career backup in the NFL.

[paul f]

Sanchez got his degree and will be the first or 2nd QB selected. He did his job. Pete needs to grow up and accept that he isn't always in control. I thought his comments were self serving and will not help the SC program.

[Lance Durham]

As a fan I would love to see him return. If I was in his shoes, it would be hard for me to pass up the opportunity to set myself up for life. I think he could have used one more year. The comment about Leinart costing himself $20 million, and holding a clipboard is partially true. Yeah, he might have left some money on the table but the reason he is holding a clipboard is because he is to busy trying to be Mr. Hollywood. Partying with people like Mr. Jessica Simpson, taking beer bongs with college girls. Leinart doesn't have the dedication to be a great pro!

[the truth]

whats all the hoopla for sanchez, he will be nothing more than another rob johnson, chill with hype, im sick of espn and herbstreit overhyping collegiate players.

[HBC]

What's up with you people? Mark put in 4 years, IS GETTING HIS DEGREE, and is headed off to an awesome 1st job! Way to go, Mark, and good luck in the pros! (And thank you for sparing us the embarrassment of taking ballroom dancing classes to keep your eligibility...)

Viva Sanchez!
(y no llores, Pete . . .)

[GldnBear]

Mark Sanchez is a smart, thoughtful, and mature young man, he's represented USC very well, and he'll undoubtedly continue to do so. He certainly isn't shooting from the hip; it was wise for him to consult with other SC QB alumni so he could weigh the pros and cons.

In the end, it's his decision, and his alone, as it should be.

What Coach Carroll was saying about Mark's chances in the NFL was correct. There's no doubt that another year would help his game immensely, and it would be great for USC. But save it for the 1-on-1, man! By airing his concerns in public, he's just raining on Mark's parade, and displaying to the world that his concerns about recruiting and rebuilding his coaching staff are getting the best of him at the moment. Not a great confidence-builder for the recruiting prospects! I do think that a public apology would go a long way to improve the situation, though. I believe that he's probably been wishing that he hadn't done what he did.

Up north in Berkeley, we've had Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson declare their eligibility for the draft as well. I sure was disappointed to see them go, but the reality is, they don't owe either me or Cal a damn thing. I loved watching them and cheering for them, and I'm glad they gave us 3 years of their lives; a scholarship is NOTHING compared to the joy they brought us on Saturdays. But now is the time that we wish them well, express our heartfelt gratitude, and proudly follow them in the NFL on Sundays.

Pete Carroll is an excellent coach, and he's built a great program, but from his perspective, the next few months are going to be a bear (pardon the expression...). He'll struggle and he'll come through it stronger, as he always does.

-- GldnBear

[Mikey]

Once again for those in the cheap. seats. Mark is gaduating in may and spent four years here. I saw a young man up there today and one kid in petey

[Todd A]

Such little experience playing QB at USC? Carroll is right. That lack of playing experience at USC really hurt Matt Cassel, right? Sour grapes from Carroll. Even Ben Howland when he was commenting on Trevor Ariza kept it short and simple. "I think he could have used another year to grow and develop but I wish him all the best." Carroll looks like Sanchez whizzed in his coffee. He just couldn't let it go. Continuing to act like a victim here makes him look petty and mean spirited. He bascially called out his QB for not being ready to move on to the next level. That's got to make recruits feel reassured about Carroll having their back. A simple statement about Sanchez not heeding some of the draft intelligence with his decision would have accomplished the same thing. Then he could have spent the rest of the time being gracious and wishing the kid well. It also would have given him some cover if Sanchez flops in the NFL. But if Sanchez now excels in the NFL Carroll looks like an even bigger tool. Smart move.

[TL]

There is a very long trail of failed prima dona quarterbacks in the NFL whether or not they came out early for the draft. Making it as an NFL quarterback takes an entirely different set of skills from college. Good luck to Sanchez as he has as much of a chance of becoming a starter as some kid we've never heard from a school that we seldom hear of. As for Pete, his sophomoric behavior is no surprise.

[Travis]

Bill, You sound like a die hard SC fan who's crying about a good QB on your favorite team, who's leaving to better himself and family for life. He waited till the last minute because of Bradford's decision, which came a day before. The money was on the table so he took it, you cant blame him for that. If you were him you would do the same! As far as Carroll, he sounded pretty selfish or greedy, he thinks if he had a down year the sky would fall. Pete stop thinling about yourself all the time.

[Arcanra]

I hope Sanchez enjoys playing in Detroit, because that's most likely where he'll end up. Why do you think Bradford and McCoy didn't declare? They didn't want to get picked first by Detroit. All the money in the world doesn't soothe over constantly losing.

[sean]

Mark is getting paid $0 to be at USC
He'll be making $million+ in NFL.
If he didn't take that deal I'd fire his math and business professors at USC

[PittFan]

The guy stuck around four years, three as a backup, and performed admirably in his first/only year in the spotlight.

As far as I know, there were no scandals, no half-ass course work, no dancing behind Erin Andrews. Just a kid that put in his time, graduated on time, and made the best decision for he and his family.

Cut him some slack, you'd have done the same.

[KAG]

In the interest of full disclosure, I LOVE to hate any & all things SC - it's just so much fun, particularly in SC strongholds OC & Pasadena!

That said, Pete Carroll, while a coaching genius is truly an a-hole IMO & yesterday's news conference highlights much of how his personality is like his team, not worthy of a national championship. I've also had the opportunity to observe PC out in public in Man. Bch. and he definitely is quite full o' himself, fwiw.

I've also seen Mark Sanchez in public @ a Greek restaurant in San Pedro (it was overpriced and Mecca for SC sycophants). He's a respectful, well-composed individual for the most part and I wish him the best of luck in the draft.