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Big Ten fines USC for playing Bryan Jackson in availability report violation

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney3 hours agoErikTMcKinney
USC running back Bryan Jackson runs for a touchdown against Michigan
USC running back Bryan Jackson runs for a touchdown against Michigan (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC has been fined $5,000 by the Big Ten conference for an availability report violation in playing Bryan Jackson late in the game against Michigan after he was listed as “out” on the mandatory pregame availability report. That, according to CBS Sports’ Richard Johnson, who received word and a statement from a conference spokesperson.

In a statement to CBS Sports, the Big Ten said:

“On Saturday, USC listed a student-athlete as ‘out’ on its availability report for the game against Michigan, but that student-athlete later participated in the game. The student-athlete had previously been sidelined due to injury and did not initially dress in uniform for the game; however, following a sequence of unfortunate injuries that occurred in the first half at the student-athlete’s position, he was medically cleared to play, suited up, and later entered the game.

“Although these circumstances were unfortunate, it is critical for availability reports to be accurate. Consequently, the conference is imposing a $5,000 fine and admonishes all institutions to use the ‘out’ designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game. The conference considers the matter closed and will have no further comment.”

USC head coach Lincoln Riley went out of his way after the game to clarify why Jackson had appeared as “out” on the report but then played in the game following game-ending injuries to running backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders.

“Unique situation,” Riley said. “There was the expectation coming in this game that, outside of just a near catastrophe, that we weren’t going to play him. The game plays out, we have a couple injury and you never expect to happen, two of them, just like that.”

“It just became a wellness issue for us,” Riley continued. “We made sure to clear it. The kid was ready to go and stepped up.”

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz