Class optional

There is no one happier than I at the “surge” of Trojans basketball and next season’s eagerly awaited appearance of O.J. Mayo. But his role as a “student” has me baffled and upset. Mayo has declared he intends to stay for one year before turning pro, which is fine for him and his family.

Here’s the problem: USC receives 33,000 applications each year for admittance to its freshman class, which works out to be 11 applicants for every opening, thus it seems very unfair that young Mr. Mayo should take up a seat in a class that would surely be better used by a real student. I say, give Mayo his room and board and maybe even a little pocket money and let him use his “school time” practicing his jump shot.

JOEL RAPP

Los Angeles