Josh Shaw Fib Could Be A Big Distraction For USC Trojans

Mar 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans cornerback Josh Shaw (6) wears a walking boot at spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It was a heroic story of courage and love.  A very talented division one college athlete risked his future by jumping from a 2nd story balcony to save his nephew who was drowning in a pool. The rescue resulted in our hero suffering two high ankle sprains and putting his promising football career on hold, all for the love of a little boy.

What bravery, what courage, what selflessness!

What a load of bull!

It turns out USC senior cornerback and defensive captain Josh Shaw lied about the entire tale of heroism.  At least that is what he admitted to USC officials during their independent investigation of the matter.

Why would a player with so much to lose lie about his injuries?  The nephew story sounds a whole heck of a lot better than “I got drunk and fell off the balcony.”

Josh Shaw, who has retained counsel, released a statement saying:

"“On Saturday August 23, I injured myself in a fall. I made up a story about this fall that was untrue. I was wrong to not tell the truth. I apologize to USC for this action on my part. My USC coaches, the USC Athletic Department, and especially coach Sarkisian have all been supportive of me during my college career and for that, I am very grateful.”"

A college career that could very well be over considering the nature of his injuries and the circumstances in which he suffered them.  Circumstances that are questionable at best.

When asked about how he suffered his injuries, Josh Shaw’s attorney Donald Etra said he fell off of a balcony and “There is no criminal aspect to this whatsoever.”

TMZ Sports, who were the first to blow the lid off Josh Shaw’s nephew narrative, is reporting that the senior corner was interviewed by police in connection with an incident on Saturday.

"We’re told cops went to the building to investigate  — and spoke to a woman who lived in the building. Cops gave the woman the description of the suspicious person and asked if she had seen anyone who matched the description. We’re told the woman said, “Yes, that sounds like my boyfriend Josh Shaw.” Cops took a “burglary report” — even though nothing was reported stolen — and in it, mentioned the connection to Shaw. Cops later spoke with Shaw on the phone and the USC football player denied ever being at the building. We’re told Shaw was NOT named as a suspect in the burglary."

Whether Shaw was drunk, running from somebody or decided to take up urban spelunking the end result is not good for the Trojans.  There are high expectations for USC this season who have their sights set on a PAC 12 championship.  Distractions like this certainly won’t help as the Trojans look ahead to a week 2 clash with Stanford, a game that could have championship implications.