Don James Claims Trojans Used Spies

An angry Washington Coach Don James said Monday that two local high school football coaches spied on the Huskies last week and supplied USC with information.

“We had the feeling that they’d seen our offense,” James said at his weekly news conference. “They had a game plan for it. They probably practiced it Wednesday and Thursday.”

The Huskies rallied Saturday with a late 98-yard drive to beat the Trojans, 20-17.

James said he was not accusing USC Coach Ted Tollner of ordering the spying.

“I think I know Ted Tollner well enough to know that he wouldn’t do it,” James said. “Ted’s got enough problems right now. He doesn’t need that kind of accusation right now.

“I don’t think even though his team is struggling right now that he would need that kind of an edge.”

In Los Angeles, Tollner said he was “offended” by James’ comments. In a terse statement released by USC’s sports information office, Tollner said:

“There’s absolutely no truth to it and I’m offended by the fact that it was even insinuated. One thing I believe in is ethics. No matter what kind of season we’re having, I wouldn’t resort to spying or scouting.”

James made it clear that his anger was directed at the two local high school coaches. He said some of the Huskies’ offensive players noticed the two coaches with binoculars and clipboards furtively standing outside Washington’s practice area at Husky Stadium last Tuesday.

James said the men left after they were discovered.