USC head basketball coach Kevin O’Neill has been suspended for the remainder of the Pac-10 tournament for his involvement in a fight with an Arizona booster Thursday (read about the incident). USC’s athletic department posted the news on its site along with comments from athletic director Pat Haden and O’Neill.
Some of Haden’s statement: “We have met with various parties who have knowledge of the incident. Based on the information we have gathered, I am immediately suspending Coach O’Neill for the balance of the Pac-10 Conference Tournament. We also have set forth additional discipline that will remain private.”
“Coach O’Neill was remorseful and apologetic and accepted responsibility for his actions. He understood that his actions were unacceptable and that they reflect poorly on him, his team and USC.”
The swift move supports the no-nonsense approach Haden promised to take when he accepted the position. It also indicates that O’Neill was guilty of the allegations. As for Cantu, he’s been with the program for 10 years and served under Henry Bibby, Tim Floyd, and now O’Neill. This will be his first time serving as a head coach at the collegiate level.
