USC reportedly ‘steamed’ over disputed Clay Helton report

Silly season is off to a shaky start in college football after a disputed report about the fate of USC coach Clay Helton caught the internet by storm.

SI’s Adam Maya reported earlier Sunday that the Trojans had already reached a decision to fire Helton, and had started a pursuit of Urban Meyer. Shortly after the report was posted, multiple national reporters disputed the report, led by Pat Forde of SI, who suggested that no decision had been reached and Helton could still be retained.

Multiple sources dispute the report that Clay Helton is being fired at USC. Sources tell me no decision has been made and it is still possible — maybe even likely — that Helton keeps his job.

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 1, 2019

Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports reported the same, adding that USC folks were “steamed” by the report.

Just spoke to multiple USC sources. This isn't right. And USC people are rightfully steamed. https://t.co/8rcZD2dDDm

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 1, 2019

Helton may be fired, or he may not be. In fact, it had been suggested that it might be more likely that he stays at this point. Either way, it certainly doesn’t appear that any decision has been reached, and the fact that this is out there is a huge source of aggravation to USC’s administration.