Sunday, July 25, 2010

In USC News...

This announcement from President-Elect Nikias made me extremely proud of being a Trojan. Nikias, following in the footsteps of President Sample, decided to do the right thing. Not the popular thing, or the safe thing, but the right thing, in bringing in Pat Haden, returning Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy, and establishing new administrative posts for Athletic Compliance that are firsts in the country.

"Our Trojan student-athletes are indeed students first and foremost; thus the USC experience must ensure that they are nourished by and beholden to the noblest values of the academy and of society. And USC's athletic program, embodying our shared values and ideals, will continue to serve as the force binding this worldwide Trojan Family." -- USC President-Elect Max Nikias

It is sad that scandal forced USC into doing the right thing, but once it did, USC decided to lead. They knew that they couldn't win by looking like whiners, but they could win by taking the charges seriously and doing what Trojans do best -- turning adversity into opportunity through creativity. Now it is up to the Trojan Family to hold the administration accountable to the road they have set before themselves. The lesson for the rest of us is that taking the high road will always serve us better in the end. Go Trojans!