USC football: Mike Garrett sends letters of apology to schools regarding alleged contact with Dillon Baxter

USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett sent a letter of apology to the University of Florida and several other schools regarding allegations that they made impermissible contact with Trojans running back Dillon Baxter after the NCAA announced sanctions against USC.

ESPN reported last month that a USC compliance official had sent a letter to Pacific 10 Conference officials alleging that Florida, Washington, Oregon, Fresno State and Alabama had contacted Baxter, who had enrolled at USC in January and participated in spring practice. ESPN also first reported about Garrett’s letter to Florida.

Garrett’s July 1 letter to Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, a copy of which was obtained by The Times, read in part, “I have spoken with Mr. Baxter and he has now confirmed that he did not receive a call from your institution. Therefore, USC has no intention of pursuing this matter further.

“I apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment this matter has caused to you and your institution.”

Several media outlets have reported that Alabama and Washington also have received letters from Garrett.

-- Gary Klein

Photo: Mike Garrett. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times.