Walters Denies Accusation

USC running back Shawn Walters has denied an anonymous accusation that he accepted gifts from an agent last year while he was serving a 12-game suspension for receiving gifts from a different agent.

USC was informed Wednesday that the NCAA had received an anonymous call claiming Walters accepted travel expenses and tickets to a San Diego Charger game from Jordan Woy, a Texas agent, and Woy’s assistant, Mike Merkow, last fall.

The caller alleged that former Trojan tight end Johnny McWilliams, who now plays for the Arizona Cardinals, accepted similar gifts and made the trip with Walters.

Walters says he has never met Woy, that someone is spreading lies about him and he doesn’t know why.

“Other than USC games, me and Johnny McWilliams have never gone to a football game together,” Walters said. “My family and I want to conduct our own investigation. I’ve been wronged. I got my coaches suspecting me, not believing in me anymore.

“If I find out who is spreading this stuff, I’m going to sue them until their grandchildren owe me money.”

Woy and McWilliams also denied the charges. Merkow did not return phone calls.

NCAA rules prohibit athletes from contracting with or accepting gifts from agents before their college eligibility is completed.

Walters had been cleared by the NCAA to play in today’s game at Houston, but after USC learned of the new allegation, it decided to withhold Walters from the game until the investigation is completed.

USC general counsel Robert Lane said Friday that if the allegation against Walters proves true, Walters will face another suspension.

Other sources have said if there’s any truth to the charges, Walters’ career might be finished at USC.

“I think John’s [Coach John Robinson] attitude would be enough is enough,” a team source said. “If there’s anything at all to it, I really think Shawn’s gone.”

After leading the Trojans in rushing his freshman and sophomore seasons, Walters was accused of accepting $15,900 from Oxnard sports agent Robert Troy Caron. He was suspended for nine games last year and three this year.

Walters admitted to USC officials that he took money from two roommates--Melvin Nunnery and Corey Tucker--but denied knowing they were associated with Caron.

Lane confirmed Friday that neither Caron nor Nunnery had anything to do with the latest allegation.

Caron was sued for damages by USC, and Lane said Caron settled, agreeing to pay USC $50,000.

Walters was required by the NCAA to make restitution.

McWilliams supported Walters in the latest allegation, saying that he attended an exhibition game between the Chargers and Cardinals last summer, but with a cousin. He said he has never met Woy or Merkow and added that USC’s suspension of Walters over an anonymous phone call is unfair.

“The NCAA has put [Walters] through too much,” McWilliams said. “This meeting never happened and now USC is keeping him out. It seems like they just don’t want him to play.”

When asked how his coaches were taking the news of the latest allegations, Walters said: “Robinson was upset, and I can’t blame him. Its makes the school look bad, and it makes me look bad.”

Lane said Noel Ragsdale, USC’s faculty athletic representative, is conducting the investigation and that it should be concluded next week.