ESPN anchor calls USC a ‘clown college’

USC is among college football’s most storied and successful programs but ESPN anchor John Anderson described the school as a “clown college” in the wake of the Josh Shaw controversy.

Anderson made his remarks Wednesday after USC announced that the cornerback admitted to school officials that he fabricated a story about rescuing a distressed nephew in a pool and lied about how he suffered ankle injuries.

Anderson referenced the Pete Carroll era -- which produced national championships but also NCAA probation and the stripping of a BCS title -- Reggie Bush’s return of the Heisman Trophy and the airport firing of former coach Lane Kiffin.

Steve Sarkisian said after Thursday’s practice he didn’t watch ESPN on Wednesday.

“Probably for all the right reasons,” Sarkisian said. “Just for that one alone.”

Sarkisian said he did not know if the reputation of the university or the football program suffered because of the Shaw situation.

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