It was reported on Tuesday that USC quarterback Miller Moss fully cooperated with the university during an investigation into his behavior from more than two years ago. Head coach Lincoln Riley torched the timing of the news and passionately defended the character of the Trojans’ signal-caller.
The whole thing is rather bizarre, to the extent that it would likely be a non-story if local Los Angeles-based outlets that love to stir up drama had not asked questions during the team’s media availability.
Moss, a redshirt junior, already graduated from USC — with honors — in 2.5 years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in his first year as the starter and led the Trojans to a statement victory over the LSU Tigers with 378 yards and a touchdown on 27 completions in Las Vegas.
By all accounts, the former four-star recruit is a stand-up guy. Riley had nothing but great things to say when asked about the new TMZ report. The head coach also questioned why this is coming up now.
Asked Lincoln Riley about the Miller Moss TMZ story today.
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) September 4, 2024
“That’s a high-quality individual there … that’s one guy you got to be careful about going after, because of the character of him — everything that he does — is as high as anybody that I’ve ever had.” https://t.co/bmCTpgVhR9 pic.twitter.com/dkyeXedobi
USC also released a statement on Moss’ behalf.
Two and a half years ago, the University conducted an investigation related to a personal dispute between me and a roommate. I fully cooperated and took accountability for my decisions, and the matter was resolved. I regret my actions and have grown and learned from this matter, and my focus is on the season ahead.
— Miller Moss
The university was unable to provide further information due to legal reasons. However, video captured between April 22 and May 3, 2022 shows the dispute between Moss and his roommate.
In one clip, Moss questions why the roommate had a Sigma Chi t-shirt on the end of his bed and told him he was going to steal it. He is a member of the fraternity. Perhaps his roommate was not.
In another clip, Moss walks into his roommate’s room and takes a pair of shorts off of his bed. It is unclear as to what he does with the shorts or whom they belonged to.
The third clip is the most bizarre. Moss and a group of his friends can be seen rummaging through his roommate’s closet. He encouraged them to take whatever they wanted. One of his friends took the roommate’s credit card out of his wallet and joked “I’ve got all his money.”
Moss also grabbed a pillow off of his roommate’s bed, held it to his butt, and farted. Someone in the room joked “we’re going to f—— h—, dude.”
The university questioned Miller Moss about what happened. He took responsibility. Case closed.
If a student has been found responsible and has fulfilled all of the terms of their discipline, the matter is considered closed. In this case, the matter was resolved and settled two-and-a-half years ago.
— University of Southern California
Riley is right to wonder why this got out now and not in 2022. Of course, the answer is simple. Moss is now a star and somebody (perhaps a roommate out for revenge?) is trying to tear him down, and presumably collect a pay day.