USC Football on Probation, Fined $50K; Lincoln Riley Avoids Suspension

Nov 12, 2024, 08:01 PM

The University of Southern California's football program has been placed on probation for one year and fined $50,000 by the NCAA for multiple violations of coaching staff rules over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The violations involved eight analysts engaging in on- and off-field coaching activities, including a special teams analyst providing technical and tactical instruction and film review to players, which was against NCAA rules at the time. Despite the violations, head coach Lincoln Riley will not face a suspension, as he was not personally involved or aware of the infractions when they occurred. USC athletic director Jen Cohen stated that the school learned of potential NCAA rules violations in May 2023, three months before her hiring, and emphasized the university's commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity in its athletic programs. The NCAA has since changed its rules to allow such participation by analysts.