USC moves to stop sale of Sanchez T-shirt

Mark Sanchez was named USC’s starting quarterback a few days before last Saturday’s Trojan Huddle scrimmage, apparently giving at least one business owner an opportunity to capitalize.

USC’s compliance department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the sale of a T-shirt that featured an image of the Mexican flag and included the words “Viva Sanchez.” The shirt was sold during the scrimmage at a booth inside the gates of the Coliseum, but a school spokesman said the vendor was not affiliated with the university.

“We were not aware that this outside vendor was selling those specific shirts at the Trojan Huddle, nor were they given permission to do so,” said Tim Tessalone, USC’s sports information director. “We are sending the vendor a cease-and-desist letter.”

Tessalone would not name the vendor.

The NCAA allows schools to use athletes’ names, pictures and likenesses on informational items such as media guides, schedule cards and institutional publications. Schools, however, are forbidden from using athletes’ names, pictures or likenesses on items such as jerseys or bobblehead dolls.

According to rule 12.5.2.2, regarding “Use of a Student-Athlete’s Name or Picture without Knowledge or Permission,” If a student-athlete’s name or picture appears on a commercial item such as a T-shirt, “or is used to promote a commercial product sold by an individual or agency without the student-athlete’s knowledge or permission, the student-athlete (or the institution acting on behalf of the student-athlete) is required to take steps to stop such an activity in order to retain his or her eligibility for intercollegiate athletics.”

Sanchez could not be reached for comment. Coach Pete Carroll said he was not aware of the shirt.

Last season, Sanchez sparked reaction when he wore a mouth guard in a game against Notre Dame that featured the colors and symbols of the Mexican flag. The mouth guard was made by the team dentist at Sanchez’s request.

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The Trojans met for the first time since the scrimmage to review highlights and receive information about their off-season program… . Sophomore nose tackle Christian Tupou has a cast on his hand because of a chipped bone suffered during the spring-ending scrimmage, Carroll said. Wide receiver Patrick Turner sustained an unspecified eye injury that resulted from a hit by safety Taylor Mays, but the injury was not serious, according to Carroll… . Tailback Broderick Green suffered a hip injury, running backs coach Todd McNair said.