USC (South Carolina?) apologizes to Florida, Alabama, Washington

Southern California has apologized to Florida, Alabama, Washington, Oregon and Fresno State for accusing those schools of breaking NCAA rules by contacting one of the Trojans’ players without permission.

In a letter dated July 1 and addressed to Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley, USC AD Mike Garrett said freshman running back Dillon Baxter confirmed to Garrett that the player “did not receive a call from your institution.”

“I apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment this matter has caused to you and your institution,” Garrett wrote in a hand-signed letter.

The letter to Foley was obtained by The Associated Press. Alabama, Washington, Oregon, and Fresno State also confirmed Wednesday that their athletic directors received apology letters from USC.

ESPN.com reported USC filed a complaint with the Pac-10 in June about several schools tampering with Baxter after the Trojans were hit with NCAA sanctions.

Pac-10 spokeswoman Danette Leighton told the AP in an e-mail that it was the conference’s policy not to comment on enforcement matters.

USC received a two-year postseason ban, a loss of scholarships and was forced to vacate victories from the 2004 and ’05 seasons for NCAA violations involving former star tailback Reggie Bush.

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Submitted by long-suffering Cal alum Jim  Alex