The Pac 12 has fined and reprimanded USC for deflating game balls below NCAA regulated levels during the Oregon game. Officials found three deflated balls before the game and two more at halftime. The Trojans blamed a student manager gone rogue and have relieved him of his duties.

When informed of this allegation by the Pac-12, USC investigated it immediately. The student manager confirmed that he had, without the knowledge of, or instruction from, any USC student-athlete, coach, staff member or administrator, deflated those game balls after they had been tested and approved by officials prior to the game.

Offenses use their own balls. A slightly deflated ball is easier to throw and catch, offering an advantage while passing. Odds the student manager came up with this scheme without coach or player influence? Minimal.

[Photo via Presswire]