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USC suspends Marc Tyler
USC announced Monday that it has suspended running back Marc Tyler for the season opener against Minnesota on Sept. 3 and from all team activities immediately for comments made to TMZ recently.
Tyler, who appeared intoxicated on video, said he was "joking" when he said he responded to a question about if athletes were paid more at USC or in the pros.
"USC," Tyler said. "They breaking bread."
Trojans coach Lane Kiffin wants Tyler to recognize that the punishment is a way to show the "high standard for player behavior."
"I was very disappointed when I learned of Marc Tyler's inappropriate comments that were captured by the media last week," Kiffin said in a statement. "That is not the way that we expect our players to represent USC and our team.
"I have consulted with athletic director Pat Haden and I am suspending Marc for our upcoming season opener and potentially further, and in the meantime I am also suspending him from all team activities."
Tyler also said USC stands for "University of Sexual Ballers" and also made a reference to reality star Kim Kardashian, who once dated former USC running back Reggie Bush.
Tyler was apologetic for embarrassing the school.
"I am disappointed that I let down all the people who have supported me as I have been working through some personal issues," he said in a statement. "After meeting today with Mr. Haden and Coach Kiffin, I realize how my behavior and my statements, even though I was joking, can reflect poorly on so many people. ... I accept my punishment and I regret that I will miss the opening game of my senior year. I am committed to doing everything the right way so that I can be reinstated to the team."
Tyler rushed for 913 yards and nine touchdowns last season and was USC's projected starter at running back. Dillon Baxter and Curtis McNeal are among the other running backs who will be expected to step forward for Tyler.
Haden said Tyler "stepped way out of line."
"He did not represent himself, his university or his team the way we expect," Kiffin said in a statement. "Marc has a lot to do to prove he belongs on our team. We hope Marc learns from this and comes back a changed and better person."
Source: AP
Tyler, who appeared intoxicated on video, said he was "joking" when he said he responded to a question about if athletes were paid more at USC or in the pros.
"USC," Tyler said. "They breaking bread."
Trojans coach Lane Kiffin wants Tyler to recognize that the punishment is a way to show the "high standard for player behavior."
"I was very disappointed when I learned of Marc Tyler's inappropriate comments that were captured by the media last week," Kiffin said in a statement. "That is not the way that we expect our players to represent USC and our team.
"I have consulted with athletic director Pat Haden and I am suspending Marc for our upcoming season opener and potentially further, and in the meantime I am also suspending him from all team activities."
Tyler also said USC stands for "University of Sexual Ballers" and also made a reference to reality star Kim Kardashian, who once dated former USC running back Reggie Bush.
Tyler was apologetic for embarrassing the school.
"I am disappointed that I let down all the people who have supported me as I have been working through some personal issues," he said in a statement. "After meeting today with Mr. Haden and Coach Kiffin, I realize how my behavior and my statements, even though I was joking, can reflect poorly on so many people. ... I accept my punishment and I regret that I will miss the opening game of my senior year. I am committed to doing everything the right way so that I can be reinstated to the team."
Tyler rushed for 913 yards and nine touchdowns last season and was USC's projected starter at running back. Dillon Baxter and Curtis McNeal are among the other running backs who will be expected to step forward for Tyler.
Haden said Tyler "stepped way out of line."
"He did not represent himself, his university or his team the way we expect," Kiffin said in a statement. "Marc has a lot to do to prove he belongs on our team. We hope Marc learns from this and comes back a changed and better person."
Source: AP