USC linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. alleged in Monday’s editions of the Los Angeles Times that UCLA used his name to lure potential recruits to Westwood.
According to Norton, UCLA coaches said Norton would be in line to replace current defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, who is interviewing this week for the head coaching job at New Mexico State.
UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel denies Norton’s claim in the following statement, released Monday.
“In response to comments made by USC assistant football coach Ken Norton, let me say that I have an outstanding defensive coordinator in DeWayne Walker. He has done a great job for us and I hope he stays at UCLA for many years. However, if he has the opportunity to become a head coach, I know he would do a fine job and I would support him in any way possible.
“That being said, I was sorry to read the comments Kenny made in the Los Angeles Times. I have not told any recruits that if DeWayne left, Kenny would be the defensive coordinator at UCLA and neither have my assistant coaches. Despite the fact that Kenny is a great Bruin, we have more than enough positives at UCLA to interest recruits and convince them that this is the school at which they can flourish both academically and athletically.
“There has been a lot of speculation about Kenny’s return to UCLA in the media and on the internet, and perhaps that has confused people about who has said what. If DeWayne leaves, I would consider several candidates for the defensive coordinator job. Kenny probably would have been among those considered, with no guarantees. However, his quotes in the paper say he is staying at USC, so we wish him well.”
Like anybody believes anything that comes out of Slick Rick’s mouth. Puh-lease. The guy is as bad as they come. Good job UCLA. Now you have a lying and cheating head coach. You should have given the job to DeWayne Walker.
If UCLA has a “lying and cheating head coach”, then I guess they are catching up to U$C.
I only wondered why UCLA would hire a person with Rick Neuheisel’s history of questionable conduct as a leader. Now with this current exchange, I’m perplexed that they keep him. Oh well, perhaps he has moonlighted as a subprime lender in the last few years.
As a Husky fan I love what’s going on here, Slick will put a chink in the Trojan armor, and then his unethical ways will be unearthed,turmoil and arrests will become part of Bruin football, followed by NCAA probation, and alas a return of Husky recruiters to the talent laden California high schools. Keep the tradition Rick.
Let me think.
- Did Pete Carroll ever get fired for dishonesty or violating NCAA rules from a college? Answer is NO.
- Did USC feel it necessary to warn Pete Carroll not to continue violating NCAA recruiting and other rules prior to hiring him? Answer is No.
- Has Rick Neuheisel ever been fired from a college for violations which include, violating NCAA rules, gambling violations, and recruiting violations. Answer is YES. How many times? Answer is TWICE.
- Did UCLA find it necessary to warn Rick Neuheisel not to continue in his gambling violations, recruiting violations, and acts that would harm UCLA prior to hiring him? The answer is YES. That was a major concern of UCLA supporters and administrators. Neuheisel’s reputation is terrible in the college community and you don’t have to look too close to see why.
- Pete Carroll has never had his personal reputation questioned, but Neuheisel has been on “Probation” with UCLA from the start. While Pete Carroll is interviewed on 60 Minutes for “A BETTER LA,” the people at UCLA are waiting for the other shoe to drop with Neuheisel.
- 60 MINUTES called Pete Carroll “the Prince of LA.” Neuheisel is attempting to live with his nick name of “the Weasel.”
How much money Rick Neuheisel won in his lawsuit against Washington and NCAA?
Why USC hiding behind Bush?
Interesting questions.
Slick promised the never do it again at 2008 Rose Bowl game. I have the tape on it. I guess probation come sooner then I expect. Sorry for the one who hire slick 50.
Who’s the most famous USC running back? (hint murdered his wife by stabbing her and cutting her up with a knife)
Q: Why would Trojans comment in the Bruins Blog? Answer, because they are losers who think college is about having a good football team and not about having a life…go get a life U$CUMS!!