USC coach Clay Helton shoots down wild EJ Price rumor

USC head coach Clay Helton had to shoot down a wild rumor when speaking with the media on Tuesday. Yes, the Trojans coach actually answered a question about whether or not one of his players hit him.

Helton spoke with reporters Tuesday to address what is going on with freshman offensive lineman E.J. Price, who has disappeared from the program. There were rumors that Price had hit Helton, but Helton said that was not the case. Instead, Helton says Price is homesick, which is something confirmed by the LA Daily News’ Scott Wolf.

Clay Helton said EJ Price was not kicked off the team. He did not hit Helton. He has personal family issues, homesickness.

— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) September 21, 2016

Price, who is from Georgia, is apparently looking into attending a school closer to home.

For clarification, Helton did not explicitly say that EJ is transferring. Helton said that EJ will look for a school closer to home. https://t.co/YQDNtgAfbQ

— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) September 21, 2016

Price was a top-100 recruit. The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle enrolled at USC in late June and as only been in Southern California for a few months.