USC Football Players Say Drug-Testing Story Incorrect, Misleading

We totally disagree with the story which appeared in The Times on Feb. 3, about the alleged drug-testing cheating in the USC football program. We believe the sources, who were never named, are not valid and the story is not based on fact. The only player named in the story was a former walk-on who quit the team when he wasn’t given a scholarship.

In the numerous tests given to us by USC and the NCAA, we were always observed throughout the process. We didn’t see any cheating, we’re not aware of any cheating and we find it would be extremely difficult to cheat. We believe the story is incorrect and misleading. We do not nor have we had a serious drug problem on our team. We believe we are speaking on behalf of all current or former USC football players.

PAT HARLOW, MARK TUCKER (seniors), MATT WILLIG, MICHAEL MOODY (juniors), CALVIN HOLMES, TRAVIS HANNAH (sophomores), JOHNNIE MORTON, REGGIE PERRY (redshirt freshmen), ELIC MAHONE, JOE CAJIC (freshmen)