USC could be under investigation for recruitment violations associated with McKnight

Joe McKnight who is rated the top running back prospect in the nation and signed a letter of intent to attend USC could have said the wrong words in a press conference by stating he spoke with former Trojan star running back Reggie Bush by telephone, which would be an NCAA violation.

Former players are regarded by the NCAA as "representatives of athletics interests" and are forbidden from telephoning prospective recruits. For example, NCAA bylaw 13.1.3.5.1 states, "Representatives of an institution's athletics interests are prohibited from making telephonic communications with a prospective student-athlete or the prospective student-athlete's relatives or legal guardians."

Head coach Pete Carroll denounced there was even a conversation at all between the two.

The issue stems from the investigation on Reggie Bush's improper benefits violation last year. Apparently McKnight was concerned that the program would be on probation if he were to attend USC. He wanted to make sure he had the entire scoop before he signed the letter of intent to become a trojan.

The truth may never come out on this issue, but one thing is for sure, why would Reggie Bush's name be mentioned at all, if there wasn't a bit of contact in some way, shape, or form.

Could this jeopardize McKnight's career at USC, or is it just another attempt to put the hammer down on Reggie Bush?

USC looks into potential recruiting violation - L.A. Times