USC WR Jordan Addison has blunt response to tampering allegations

Sep 18, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) warms up before the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Addison transferred from Pittsburgh to USC this offseason amid accusations of tampering, and offered a simple response to those questioning the motive behind his decision.

Addison, last season’s Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation’s top wide receiver, departed for Southern California under some suspicion that he was leaving Pitt for name, image and likeness deals.

While speaking to reporters on Thursday for the first time since transferring to USC, Addison strongly rebuked the notion that his choice to transfer to USC was due to monetary reasons.

“Just some BS,” Addison said via Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times. “But I mean, the truth always going to come to light, so I just make sure I’m just going to keep working and make sure I’m ready for the season.”

In May, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi took a shot at Addison over Addison’s entry into the transfer portal. He felt that USC head coach Lincoln Riley was actively recruiting Addison. Riley took exception to Narduzzi’s accusations, and indicated that Addison’s transfer was only football-motivated.

Addison seemed to corroborate what Riley said when speaking to ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti in May at Steve Clarkson’s quarterbacks retreat in Santa Monica, Calif. The 20-year-old told Uggetti that his decision had to do with the opportunity to bring his game to new heights. Addison said the Trojans showed him the improvements he could make to become even better.

Addison had 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns last season. With a talented quarterback in Caleb Williams at the helm for the Trojan offense this season, Addison could be in line for another fantastic year.