USC his battered field had just two runs left when the Trojans coach Lincoln Riley decided to dress injured sophomore running back Brian Jackson for the second half. Saturday's win over Michigandespite Jackson being listed as unavailable by the team on the Big Ten's pregame availability report.
Riley explained the decision to play Jackson after the game, calling it a “unique situation” and a “health issue.” But on Monday, the Big Ten decided to impose a $5,000 fine on USC for violating conference rules regarding availability reporting.
“While these circumstances were unfortunate, it is critical that availability reporting be accurate,” a Big Ten spokesperson said. “Consequently, the conference is imposing a fine of $5,000 and encourages all institutions to use the 'out' designation only if there are no circumstances under which the student-athlete would be eligible to participate in the game. The conference considers the matter closed and will not comment further.”
Jackson hasn't dressed since Week 1 because he has a long-standing toe problem. Going into the game, Riley said Jackson was unlikely to play “barring a near-disaster situation.” But when one guard, Eli Sanders, suffered a potential season-ending injury in the first quarter and another, Waymond Jordan, seriously injured his ankle in the second, plans quickly changed.
Riley said Saturday night that USC was in contact with the league office at the time and explained the situation to conference officials in advance.
Jackson was medically cleared by USC and entered the game in the fourth quarter. He rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown on five carries.
“The guy was ready to go and stepped forward,” Riley said. “That's what you need, man. If you want to win at this level, you need tough guys to handle.”
