By Mitch Chortkoff
Sports Editor
It’s been quite a start to USC’s football season.
In the first game, before 76,000 in the Coliseum, new head coach Steve Sarkisian introduced a go-go offense that resulted in the Trojans running 105 plays, more than 20 more that they averaged last season as USC won, 52-13
In the second game, Stanford dominated play but had trouble getting into the end zone and USC won, 13-10.
The drama occurred in the second half when Sarkisian was arguing with the officials and had an aide on the sidelines send a text message to athletic director Pat Haden in the press box.
Haden was watching the game where he belonged. But Sarkisian asked Haden to come down on the field to continue the argument.
Haden did that and a national television audience captured his arrival and ensuing argument with the officials.
Former coaches commenting on the telecast said they had never seen an athletic director do what Haden did.
On Monday, Haden was fined $25,000.
“I should have been fined, not him,” said Sarkisian. “I was caught up in the emotion of the moment and calling him down to the field was my mistake. I was wrong in doing that.”
The bigger issue is that Haden is on the committee that will choose the four teams that will participate in the new way a national champion is crowned.
Immediately, commentators questioned the wisdom of allowing athletic directors to serve on that committee.
I agree. There are enough qualified retired coaches and other veterans of college football to perform that duty without permitting current active coaches or athletic directors to participate.
The powers of the committee took offense, emphasized Haden’s high character and attempted to say Haden’s outburst and choosing the four championship candidates had nothing to do with each other.
One lesson from this is that the new system is far from perfect. Previously, two teams were chosen to play for the national championship while a few others believed that were unfairly bypassed. Now four will be chosen, but in many seasons another one or two will believe they should have been picked.
The old system drew much criticism and the new one probably will do the same.
As of today, USC is a contender since it has a 2-0 record, including a win at Stanford, which qualified for the Rose Bowl last season.
Well, I hope Haden and Sarkisian have learned a lesson. Sarkisian shouldn’t asked his athletic director to come onto the field. Haden should have refused the invitation.
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