Dear USC, Stay Away From Josh Shirley

When Josh Shirley and his two partners in crime were released from their letters of intent by UCLA for allegedly stealing either a back-pack or purse (depending on who you believe), talk almost immediately turned to the possibility of the Trojans pursuing young Mr. Shirley.

After all, Shirley was thought to be a heavy Trojan "lean" when on February 2, the date that prep players could formally sign their aforementioned LOI's, when he shocked everyone by pledging to UCLA, a school he hadn't even made a formal visit to.

At the time, Trojan nation was dismayed by the defection because not only did the Trojans think they had Shirley signed and delivered but also due to the fact that linebacker was a position that desperately needed to be re-stocked.

However, USC fans were soon soothed by the welcome news that Hayes Pullard, a four-star linebacker (as rated by Scout.com), in a twist of fate, turned his back on UCLA and signed instead with the Trojans.

Although at the time a Shirley for Pullard swap was thought to slightly favor the Bruins, USC fans were pleased that the linebacker position would at least see some replenishing.

Then came the news that Josh Shirley and fellow UCLA incoming recruits Paul and Shaquille Richardson had committed a crime serious enough not only to be formally arrested but also released from a program that sorely needed their services.

Although UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel should be applauded for his quick and decisive action regarding Shirley and company, people should also not lose sight of the fact that these three young men made a stupid mistake and sadly, they are now paying a heavy price.

And like most situations where a young person makes a immature decision, Josh Shirley deserves another chance to atone for his mistake.

But not at USC.

This is for two reasons, one important and the other vindictive.

First the vindictive.

Josh Shirley could have originally signed with the Trojans and not only did he spurn them on signing day, he figuratively flipped USC off by signing with their cross town rivals.

For the Trojan recruiting brain trust, Shirley's defection that day created much angst which was only relieved by the Pullard signing.

So just on spite alone, if Shirley comes knocking USC's door, all concerned should just snicker as Shirley nervously paces outside waiting for a door to open that is destined to stay shut.

In other words, sorry Josh, you had your chance.

Then there is the far more important reason for USC to pass on Shirley.

USC simply cannot afford anymore bad press right now.

With the Trojans upcoming appeal of the sanctions handed down by the NCAA for transgressions connected to, among other things, the Reggie Bush scandal, USC cannot afford to undo to the positive corrective actions put in place to appease the powers that be for that body which will hear the appeal.

USC has removed running backs coach Todd McNair, the principle USC figure in the Bush case, from the coaching staff and also has imposed stringent compliance requirements for players to show housing and transportation information.

All positive steps to show the NCAA that objectively they are dealing with the issues that brought the sanctions.

An offer to Josh Shirley, amid all of the other problems the Trojans have going on right now would only signal a blatant disregard on USC's part to stay out of the bad press limelight.

If USC stands any chance to have the punishments handed down reduced, they must cast an appearance of being very much above any interpretation of impropriety.

And although chances are that Shirley is still a dynamic player at a position the Trojans need depth at, they must refrain at all costs any association with him.

As stated before, Josh Shirley and his wayward teammates deserve another chance.

After all, this is America and we are big on forgiveness.

But not at USC.

And certainly not now.