More pertinent to Sanchez's case, however, are some legitimate questions about Pete Carroll's program, questions that have been simmering under the surface for quite some time but, due to the hysteria surrounding the Trojans' quest for a third straight national title last season, were for the most part ignored.

First and foremost, does USC's widely revered head coach run too loose a ship?

Carroll, on the other hand, has remained largely unscathed despite an ever-growing litany of incidents. In 2004, police investigated a sexual assault case involving tailback Hershel Dennis. He was never charged. Tackle Winston Justice was suspended from school for a year following his arrest for brandishing a replica firearm at a student (he received three years probation). Cornerback Eric Wright, who has since transferred to UNLV, was charged with sexual assault last year (the charges were later dropped) and was suspended from school because police found 136 ecstasy pills in his apartment. And linebacker Rey Maualuga was arrested for allegedly punching a student at a Halloween party last year (no charges were filed).