Trojans' CB Eric Wright avoids prosecution on rape/sexual assault charges. Prosecutors cite insufficient evidence on those charges and on possession of Ecstasy, but somehow we don't feel better about this, especially given USC's recent problems with academic ineligibility and the jawbreaking incident "between boys." A year ago, Pete Carroll took Bob Stoops' position as resident genius of college football. Now he's run off the best offensive coordinator in college history, seen five of his starters potentially flunk out, and had two major disciplinary problems in two weeks. Even with Wright's exoneration, the circumstantial stink around USC is beginning to accumulate. We like Carroll-we really do, no sarcasm there-but the burdens of success have had some side effects we find to be truly troubling.
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