USC is only a few days from Saturday’s opener against Fresno State at the Coliseum.
Not that most reporters have been writing, talking or tweeting about it much this week.
On Wednesday, the day after his heroism was brought into question, Trojans cornerback Josh Shaw will continue to be the focus.
On Monday night, Shaw trended nationally after the school published a story about him on its website. The story recounted how the senior suffered ankle injuries when he leaped from a second-story balcony and landed on concrete before crawling into a pool to save a nephew who could not swim.
On Tuesday, Coach Steve Sarkisian announced the school was investigating after USC received calls from several people who contradicted the account.
USC returns to practice Wednesday morning.
It’s a day when defensive players are scheduled to be made available to the media, a day when reporters would typically seek out Shaw, one of six team captains.
But it remains to be seen whether school officials will allow Shaw to speak to reporters.
“Josh won’t be available until we find out,” Sarkisian said. “I just don’t want to put him in a situation of answering questions that we really don’t have all the answers to.”
USC has said that Shaw will be sidelined indefinitely because of high-ankle sprains.
Redshirt freshman Chris Hawkins could start in Shaw’s place against Fresno State. Junior Kevon Seymour is the other starting cornerback.
Freshman Adoree’ Jackson will back up Seymour, and freshmen Jonathan Lockett and Lamont Simmons also could be called upon.
Shaw, who graduated from Palmdale High, transfered to USC in 2012 after two seasons at Florida. He intercepted two passes in 2012, four last season.
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times