USC investigating Josh Shaw's claim about saving nephew
USC coach Steve Sarkisian said Tuesday that he's received several
calls questioning the validity of cornerback Josh Shaw's story
describing how he sustained two high ankle sprains over the weekend. The
school is vetting the tale.
Shaw told USC's athletics web site that he injured himself jumping from a second-floor apartment balcony to the concrete below to rescue his seven-year-old nephew, who "cannot swim" and was in a pool "in distress without help nearby" on Saturday. Shaw said he rescued his nephew, who was traumatized by the experience.
Now, USC is investigating the authenticity of the story.
"I'm going to refrain from talking about the situation itself," Sarkisian said on Tuesday's Pac-12 coaches' teleconference. "I will say that Josh had never given us any indication not to believe his story. He's been a kid of very high character for us, a team leader, elected team captain. I had no reason not to believe him.
"Now, we did receive some calls that question the validity of his story. We're vetting. We're doing our due diligence on that as we speak."
A woman who identified herself as Shaw's older sister and the mother of the 7-year-old boy said the USC football player allegedly saved from drowning called reports that Shaw was actually injured during a burglary "speculation."
"I won't get involved in that," said the woman, who identified herself as Asia Shaw and spoke into front of Shaw's parents' home in Palmdale. "Those are all speculations."
She said she was not at the family event during which Shaw allegedly jumped from a balcony when he saw his nephew, Carter, fall into the pool. The boy cannot swim, Asia Shaw said.
She said the child was in the care of another brother, Justin. Though she said she was not at the event, she offered details of what allegedly took place.
"The one who was supposed to be watching him turned away for a second," she said. "And Josh, who is on the balcony, saw the incident and reacted."
She said the police were not called because there was no respiratory impairment.
Sarkisian said Josh Shaw has not changed his story since the
questions emerged. According to Shaw, the incident occurred at a family
social function at Shaw's cousin's apartment in his hometown of
Palmdale, Calif.
Deputy Jason Ames of the Palmdale Sheriff Station said that there was no record of a call out regarding Shaw.
Officer Jane Kim, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department said the department is gathering information but had no statement as of Tuesday afternoon.
"Josh is adamant with what occurred, and we're going to continue to vet some of the stories that have come across our desk or our phones and see what we have and go from there," Sarkisian told local media earlier Tuesday.
Sarkisian said he and other athletic officials need more time to vet the situation. Shaw, a senior, was chosen a USC team captain on Saturday night.
"It's important to know your players," Sarkisian said. "Josh Shaw has been a good leader for us. he's given me no reason to not believe what he told us occurred. But you need to know."
Josh Peter reported from Palmdale, Calif.
PRESEASON AMWAY COACHES POLL
Shaw told USC's athletics web site that he injured himself jumping from a second-floor apartment balcony to the concrete below to rescue his seven-year-old nephew, who "cannot swim" and was in a pool "in distress without help nearby" on Saturday. Shaw said he rescued his nephew, who was traumatized by the experience.
Now, USC is investigating the authenticity of the story.
"I'm going to refrain from talking about the situation itself," Sarkisian said on Tuesday's Pac-12 coaches' teleconference. "I will say that Josh had never given us any indication not to believe his story. He's been a kid of very high character for us, a team leader, elected team captain. I had no reason not to believe him.
"Now, we did receive some calls that question the validity of his story. We're vetting. We're doing our due diligence on that as we speak."
A woman who identified herself as Shaw's older sister and the mother of the 7-year-old boy said the USC football player allegedly saved from drowning called reports that Shaw was actually injured during a burglary "speculation."
"I won't get involved in that," said the woman, who identified herself as Asia Shaw and spoke into front of Shaw's parents' home in Palmdale. "Those are all speculations."
She said she was not at the family event during which Shaw allegedly jumped from a balcony when he saw his nephew, Carter, fall into the pool. The boy cannot swim, Asia Shaw said.
She said the child was in the care of another brother, Justin. Though she said she was not at the event, she offered details of what allegedly took place.
"The one who was supposed to be watching him turned away for a second," she said. "And Josh, who is on the balcony, saw the incident and reacted."
She said the police were not called because there was no respiratory impairment.
Deputy Jason Ames of the Palmdale Sheriff Station said that there was no record of a call out regarding Shaw.
Officer Jane Kim, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department said the department is gathering information but had no statement as of Tuesday afternoon.
"Josh is adamant with what occurred, and we're going to continue to vet some of the stories that have come across our desk or our phones and see what we have and go from there," Sarkisian told local media earlier Tuesday.
Sarkisian said he and other athletic officials need more time to vet the situation. Shaw, a senior, was chosen a USC team captain on Saturday night.
"It's important to know your players," Sarkisian said. "Josh Shaw has been a good leader for us. he's given me no reason to not believe what he told us occurred. But you need to know."
Josh Peter reported from Palmdale, Calif.
PRESEASON AMWAY COACHES POLL
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