Smith, McGee Take the Heat at USC
Why did USC finish 3-8, its worst season since 1957? Let’s start with Larry Smith, who lets his personal feelings get in the way of his objectivity. Smith took the problems with Todd Marinovich personally (and publicly) last season. Also last season, Ricky Ervins, the Pac-10’s leading rusher in 1989, hurt his ankle early. Smith decided he had an attitude problem and refused to play him. Now he’s having a rookie-of-the-year season with the Redskins. This year, a healthy Mazio Royster publicly asks for more carries. So, he rides the bench and probably will (make himself available for) the NFL draft a year early.
Coach Smith, leave your personal feelings at home and stick to coaching.
GEORGE A. JOHNSON
La Crescenta
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.