USC quarterback Matt Barkley, coach Kiffin say no punches thrown in player confrontation in Sun Bowl locker room after loss
Moments after USC lost to Georgia Tech 21-7 in the Sun Bowl, about 10 to 15 Trojans players were involved in a locker room altercation, the L.A. Daily News reported, citing sources.
The incident started when some freshmen questioned the leadership of the team’s seniors and whether they gave 100 percent effort for the Sun Bowl. This led to an argument that eventually escalated according to witnesses.
Freshman offensive tackle Zach Banner did not wish to discuss the incident but said, “It’s going to be a whole new family atmosphere next season and you can quote me on that. For the seniors, it’s terrible.”
Read the full article here.
Outgoing senior quarterback Matt Barkley, speaking on the radio show The Herd on Wednesday, said that “no punches were thrown” but “tempers flared” and “words were exchanged” and “it was under control.”
Listen to the full Barkley interview with Colin Cowherd here.
USC head coach Lane Kiffin also disputed media reports on the incident.
“Contrary to media reports, there was not a brawl or altercation in our locker room after the Sun Bowl,” USC Athletics tweeted, quoting Kiffin. “It lasted less than a minute and was nothing physical. It happens sometimes in football locker rooms after a disappointing loss. There was a noisy verbal exchange among a couple players who were frustrated with the outcome of the game.”
