Trojans Face More Turmoil as Point Guard Murray Quits

The morass surrounding the USC basketball team continued Friday when sophomore point guard Cameron Murray quit for the rest of the season.

Murray was not available for comment Friday night, but his parents explained that the recent changes in the program have affected their son negatively. Charlie Parker was fired as coach last week by Athletic Director Mike Garrett, who cited a lack of growth by the players on and off the court in making his decision.

In a statement to The Times, Bob and Candy Murray said:

“First and foremost as parents, we have to act for the benefit of our child. Academics is foremost. This season has put a lot of strain on Cameron. . . . Therefore, we have asked that Cameron sit out the rest of the basketball season with all focus to the classroom. We have no further comments.”

Bob Murray said that his son was not in academic trouble.

The move seemed to surprise his teammates, who realized Murray had not checked into the team hotel when they had their team meal Friday night.

“It’s unfortunate that he won’t be able to join us and play with us, but he has to do what is best for him,” teammate Brandon Martin said. “If that is the best thing for him to do, so be it.”

Garrett, who was not on campus Friday, said he did not know Murray had quit, adding, “This is news to me.”

Bob Murray says his son will be at USC’s game today against Arizona and will continue to support the team. Murray, who asked new Coach Henry Bibby to not start him the last few games, was averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds this season. He had been replaced by freshman Damion Dawson.