Apparently the Josh Shaw story of him jumping off a balcony to save his 7-year old nephew from drowning may not be true. According to the LA Daily News’ Scott Wolf, the school is now investigating claims that Shaw made up the story given some contradicting phone calls they’ve received on the matter.
Steve Sarkisian said #USC has gotten calls today contradicting Josh Shaw story
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) August 26, 2014
Sarkisian said #USC will investigate Josh Shaw story. Shaw unavailable to media
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) August 26, 2014
I heard late last night doubts within the program over Josh Shaw story #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) August 26, 2014
Sources told me incident did not involve family party or rescuing nephew from pool. #USC investigating claims
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) August 26, 2014
USC head coach Steve Sarkisian also released a statement which you can also hear in the video above (via The Big Lead):
“Josh Shaw, first and foremost is a good person. He’s a good kid. He came to us with what occurred Saturday night, and I have no reason or history to not believe Josh’s story. Obviously, within the last few hours or so, we’ve gotten a few phone calls contradicting what Josh said Saturday night. We’re going to continue to vet it. Beyond that, I only know what I know. Josh is adamant with what occurred, and we’ll continue to vet some of the other stories.”
Shaw, a senior corner who was listed as the 2nd best defensive back heading into the 2015 draft by Mel Kiper Jr. is listed as being out indefinitely with two sprained ankles as a result of the alleged jump. Obviously no one should rush to judgement, especially after what head coach Steve Sarkisian had to say about the matter. Still though you really hope the claims of a corroborated story are untrue.
h/t: LA Daily News, The Big Lead