Petros Papadakis says that he was fired from his job as the PA announcer at USC basketball games via text message.
Papadakis, who played football for the Trojans and has served as a local radio host in LA for over a decade, has been the PA announcer for USC basketball for 11 years. He says he found out he was fired via text message when he reached out to USC to inquire about his upcoming schedule.
“USC no longer wants to employ me as the basketball public address announcer,” Papadakis said via the Los Angeles Daily News. “I loved the excitement of being court-side and having a professional connection with the school. I know the USC athletic department has bigger issues with the football program right now but it’s strange to me that after 11 seasons on the job no one at USC contacted me about this decision.
“I reached out to the school this Monday to ask about the schedule for the upcoming basketball season. Tuesday it was explained to me via text that my services were no longer needed. I wish the Trojans basketball team the best of luck.”
USC apparently denied Papadakis’ version of the events.
#USC disputes firing Petros Papadakis by text. Says it informed his agent. Papadakis says he and agent informed by text
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) November 4, 2015
Papadakis said on his Twitter account that he will “miss the excitement” of the job.
After 11 seasons USC has fired me as the hoops PA guy…I will miss the excitement Fight On -p
— PetrosAndMoneyShow (@PetrosAndMoney) November 4, 2015
There is speculation that Papadakis’ criticism of athletic director Pat Haden on his popular “Petros and Money” radio show contributed to him losing the job. USC says that Papadakis’ inconsistency in appearances is the reason he was let go. They say he only called three of 17 home games last season.
