USC Josh Shaw Admits Drowning Story is Fake

Photo Credit:Eugene Tanner / Associated Press

USC cornerback Josh Shaw has gone from hero to jerk in just 24 hours.  Rumors began swirling that Shaw, a captain for USC, would miss the entire season after jumping from his second story apartment into a pool to save his drowning nephew.  The country let out a collective “Aw”, until even more rumors started swirling that the story was a fake.  This afternoon, Shaw admitted that the story was indeed untrue.  However, he did not explain how he suffered the sprained ankles.

“I made up a story about this fall that was untrue,” Shaw said. “I was wrong not to 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.”  In a letter released by Shaw’s attorney said the cornerback sustained the injuries from a fall.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian made a statement regarding the situation saying, “We are extremely disappointed in Josh.  He let us all down. As I have said, nothing in his background led us to doubt him when he told us of his injuries, nor did anything after our initial vetting of his story.  I appreciate that Josh has now admitted that he lied and has apologized. Although this type of behavior is out of character for Josh, it is unacceptable. Honesty and integrity must be at the center of our program. I believe Josh will learn from this. I hope that he will not be defined by this incident, and that the Trojan Family will accept his apology and support him.”