LOS ANGELES – Southern California is imposing sanctions on its basketball program for violating NCAA rules involving former player O.J. Mayo.
The universitys investigation found rules were violated during Mayos one season with the Trojans in 2007-08 under former coach Tim Floyd. Mayo currently plays for the NBAs Memphis Grizzlies.
The sanctions announced Sunday call for a one-year ban on postseason play after the current regular season, including the Pac-10 Conference tournament; a loss of one scholarship for this season and the 2010-2011 season; a loss of one coach permitted to engage in off-campus recruiting during the summer of 2010; and 20 fewer recruiting days (from 130 to 110) allowed for the 2010-2011 academic year.
The school said that because of Mayos involvement with Rodney Guillory, who under NCAA rules became a USC booster because of his role in Mayos recruitment, USC will vacate its 21 wins during the 2007-08 season.
AUTO RACING
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BASKETBALL
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FOOTBALL
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