Are the USC Football Sanctions Unfair for Current Players?

As an Arizona State student and fan, I was more than happy to hear about the USC sanctions. In fact, I'm sure everyone in the Pac-10 (or whatever it is right now) besides Trojan fans, was jumping with joy after hearing the news of the two year bowl ban.

Why? Because in a projected wide open conference, it's one less team to worry about when it comes to the Pac-10 crown and Rose Bowl.

With that said, it's hard not to feel bad for current players on the USC roster, not to mention the recruits.

Other than the fact that Reggie Bush had been receiving improper benefits against NCAA rules and guidelines, what transpired in 2004 is still somewhat unclear.

The NCAA shocked the college football world on Thursday when they announced the bowl ban and the reduction in scholarships over the next few years—many people thought the school wouldn't receive a harsh punishment.

Is this the right form of punishment for violations that occurred almost six years ago?

This can be debated.

On one hand, the school is ultimately to be blamed for these transactions and should be punished accordingly.

On the other hand, who is this punishing more, the current players or the school?

Sure, the school will take a hit from the two year bowl ban, resulting in a loss of revenue, but is SC really hurting for money at this point?

However, it is unfair for the current players to take the hit for Reggie Bush and Co.

According to Fox Sports, the majority of incoming recruits they talked to are still standing behind the Trojan dynasty and feeling relatively unaffected. That is, though, among the worries of not getting a scholarship due to the sanctions.

The NCAA is not to be blamed for this punishment, as it's really the only thing that they can do. Of course, Reggie Bush and the University of Southern California should be blamed.

ESPN reported that 2010 USC juniors and seniors are able to transfer to another FBS school without having to sit out for a year. Head coach Lane Kiffin stated that he has not heard of any other school's interest in USC players, and that "if someone wants to leave the best place in the country to play football, we won't stop them."

Lane Kiffin has a great football program, but it's hardly the "best place in the country to play football" for the next two years.

The one set back for potential transfers is that they will be unable to transfer to any Pac 10 schools as stated in conference guidlines.

Only time will tell if any of the USC upperclassmen will transfer, and who could blame them if they did decide to? Not being able to reach a bowl kills the whole college football experience.