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Jim Rome / 5-12-2008
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Is it really any surprise that USC’s decision to bring in O.J. Mayo may “blow up” right in their face?! It’s not like there weren’t “red flags” going up everywhere right when they signed him and really long before it!
Louis Johnson, an insider-turned snitch, told ESPN that Mayo received around $30,000 dollars in cash and gifts from Rodney Guillory, an event promoter here in Los Angeles. Money that was reportedly given to him by Bill Duffy associates, the agency that now represents Mayo. Mayo and Duffy have both denied the allegations. And Johnson, who was unemployed when he met Guillory and Mayo, had been charged with selling cocaine and has credibility issues himself. But, he does have the receipts to back up much of what he says. And, just because he sold “toot” then, doesn’t mean he’s not telling the truth now. Johnson says he doesn’t think USC knew Guillory was funneling cash and gifts to Mayo. Right! Just like USC didn’t know Reggie Bush and his family were getting paid too! Allegedly.
Look, if they didn’t know, it’s because they didn’t want to know. And, if they didn’t want to know, then they did know. Or, should have known! They did know that Guillory had gotten former Trojan Jeff Trepagnier suspended back in 2000 for accepting agent kickbacks. Yet, for some reason the guy was still welcome around the program. To hear Johnson tell it, he practically has his own office there! Johnson says Guillory was “kicking it” with Tim Floyd in his office when Mayo’s letter of intent was faxed in. Why is a guy like that allowed anywhere near the program. Because, he can deliver something they wanted! Allegedly. And, we’re to believe that’s now twice that two of the highest profile athletes to ever hit that campus may have received “boatloads” of improper gifts and benefits and USC didn’t know about. C’mon!
Either they’re not telling the truth or they’re not paying attention. Either way, no one is buying it.
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