While the University is appealing some of the sanctions, the Football Writers Association of America decided to vote and come through with the ruling.
“Had these facts been known, USC would not have been selected for the award … in light of standards applicable to FWAA poll participants, award candidates and award recipients,” remarked FWAA president Tim Griffin.
Pat Haden, the newly appointed Athletics Director at USC, said that the school will return the championship trophy.
“Due to the NCAA penalties, we understand the actions taken by the Football Writers Association of America, and we will abide by that ruling,” Haden said.
“While we know that some fans and former student-athletes may be disappointed, our central priority at this time is our overall commitment to compliance and this action is in line with the standards we have set for our entire athletic program.”
USC ranked No.1 by the Grantland Rice poll at the end of the 2004-05 season, in front of Auburn and Oklahoma. The Trojans defeated the Sooners in the BCS Championship game.
“There was a thorough discussion of all the possible scenarios involving all the appropriate teams,” Griffin said. “The FWAA reached a very fair conclusion based on careful consideration of the strengths of all the teams. We realize there are numerous opinions on this question.
“Nonetheless, this group — which has more than three collective centuries of experience covering college football and has members representing all geographic regions in the nation — came to a decision we feel best serves the sport.”
This 2010 College football season, the defending champion Alabama Crimson Tide are the betting favorites on USA Online Sportsbooks.
