Sorry, Charlie: Trojans Have a Real Problem

Charlie Parker, the USC basketball coach, was quoted after one of a recent string of humiliating losses: “We may be short in numbers and short in height and maybe a little short in talent, but we’re not going to be short on heart. As long as we play hard and aggressively, I have no problem.”

The fact is, the USC men’s program is in ruin, and unless Athletic Director Mike Garrett hires a name coach and the school makes a commitment to building a basketball facility on the main campus, the Trojans will continue to occupy the cellar of the Pac-10. The situation is intolerable and no matter how many platitudes the present coach utters, the Trojans will once again be sitting at home during tournament time.

MARTY BULTZ

Lompoc