Women’s Group Urges USC to Crack Down

In the wake of a series of allegations of criminal acts by USC football players in the last two years, the California chapter of the National Organization for Women is calling on the university to crack down on players’ behavior.

Helen Grieco, executive director of the chapter, sent a letter to USC President Steven Sample and Coach Pete Carroll this month expressing outrage over “the repeated gender-based crimes committed by USC football players. ...”

USC conducted graduation ceremonies Friday and officials did not return phone calls seeking comment about the letter, which was dated May 3.

Carroll said he was out of state recruiting and could not respond because he had not seen the letter.

Grieco wrote in part that, “The treatment by the university of the crimes committed by football players sends a clear message to women on your campus that their personal safety and dignity is not as important as the success of the football team.”

She added, “We implore you to protect your female students and aid in the growth of your male athletes and start taking these crimes seriously. The possible ramifications on the football field are nothing compared [to] the long-term [effects] this behavior has on the victims, other female students and faculty, and the culture of the university.”

In an interview Friday, Grieco said, “Similar problems are prevalent at other universities across the country.”

Police have investigated at least four Trojan players since August 2004.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez, 19, was arrested March 26 on suspicion of sexual assault and was placed on interim suspension by the university. He has not been charged and is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. After Sanchez’s arrest, Athletic Director Mike Garrett sent a memo to all USC coaches instructing them to address behavior issues with their athletes, including drinking and drugs.

In August 2004, the Los Angeles Police Department launched a sexual assault investigation after an alleged incident involving USC football players at the Cardinal Gardens apartment complex near campus. No arrests were made, but Carroll suspended running back Hershel Dennis for about a month for violating team rules.

In March 2005, former cornerback Eric Wright was arrested on suspicion of rape. Police also reported finding illegal drugs in his Cardinal Gardens apartment. The district attorney’s office declined to file sex- or drug-related charges because of insufficient evidence, but the university suspended Wright after his arrest and eventually suspended him for two semesters. Wright transferred to Nevada Las Vegas.

Last November, linebacker Rey Maualuga was arrested on suspicion of battery in the wake of allegations that he punched a man after a Halloween party. He was not suspended and played a prominent role for the Trojans last season. Earlier this month, Maualuga was charged with one misdemeanor count but was placed in an arraignment diversion program.

The charge will be dismissed in a year if Maualuga abides by certain conditions such as attending anger management counseling and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.