NCAA Denies USC's Appeal of Sanctions on Football Program

The NCAA has denied the University of Southern California’s appeal to gradually reduce the sanctions and penalties levied against the school’s football program back in 2010.

According to ESPN’s Joe Schad, the governing organization had this to say on the matter: "There is no comparison between USC and Penn State. USC's appeal was denied and there is no further consideration being given."

The statement referenced the NCAA’s recent decision to restore five scholarships to the Nittany Lions next year and allow Penn State to give the maximum of 85 by 2016-17.

As per ESPN’s Johnny Curren and Schad, USC athletic director Pat Haden and vice president of athletic compliance Dave Roberts flew to Indianapolis to meet with NCAA president Mark Emmert after the PSU decision was rendered.

They lobbied to have similar mercy granted on their program, but it seems the NCAA is unwilling to budge on the issue because USC went through a “traditional process” to incur the sanctions.

USC was heavily penalized after the Reggie Bush scandal broke and will be unable to field an 85-man roster until the 2015 season.

Penn State received massive sanctions after the unprecedented Jerry Sandusky saga rocked the program to its core. The university and football team have been working relentlessly since the summer of 2012 to implement changes in the athletic culture and were rewarded this week with the relaxation of some of the penalties.

The Trojans are 3-1 on the season, but are clearly still feeling the impact from being punished by the NCAA. They have struggled against lesser opponents—such as Utah State—and have been hindered by the inability to recruit as many quality players.