USC running back calls coach Steve Sarkisian racist, quits team
USC running back Anthony Brown abruptly quit the football team Thursday, accusing head coach Steve Sarkisian on social media of being racist.
It's the second bombshell report to come out of USC in less than a week, following Josh Shaw's elaborate drowning hoax and alleged criminal investigation.
Brown, a converted cornerback, took to Instagram on Thursday and posted this since-deleted image (courtesy of USCFootball.com's Ryan Abraham).
Sarkisian reacted to the accusations with disbelief, telling reporters he was "shocked" at the "ridiculous" allegations and encouraged reporters to speak with people in the program regarding Brown's comments.
According to Abraham, the team switched Brown to running back in an effort to keep him on the roster and put his skills to better use.
ESPN's Arash Markazi has more from Sarkisian:
Sarkisian had no sense after meeting Brown that he felt that way. He did not call him a racist during or after meeting.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 28, 2014
Sarkisian on Brown: "I had encouraged him to play. I thought he could play. I didn't want him to quit." He was blindsided by "racist" post.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 28, 2014
Sarkisian on Brown: "It's ridiculous. Any of you guys that know me, ask any of our players. That's the furthest thing from the truth."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 28, 2014
The 23-year-old Brown was expected to compete for playing time at tailback as a redshirt senior this season. Last year playing cornerback he was limited to just two games at Hawaii and Notre Dame, recording six solo tackles. He finishes his career with six starts and 43 tackles.
Junior nose tackle Antwaun Woods took to Twitter to weigh in on Brown's accusations:
Coach Sark is a great person/Coach! Please disregard comments that have been made by someone.
— Antwaun Woods (@USCTwocka99) August 28, 2014