USC fined by Big Ten for playing running back listed ‘out’

USC was down to two replacements in its battered backfield when Trojans coach Lincoln Riley decided to dress injured running back Bryan Jackson for the second half of Saturday’s win over Michigan, despite Jackson being listed by the team as out in the Big Ten’s pregame availability report.

Riley explained the decision to play Jackson after the game, describing it as “a unique situation” and “a wellness issue.” But on Monday, the Big Ten opted to fine USC $5,000 for violating conference rules regarding its availability reporting.

“While these circumstances are unfortunate, it is critical that availability reporting is accurate,” a Big Ten spokesperson said. “Therefore, the conference imposes a $5,000 fine and advises all institutions to use the ‘out’ designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game. The conference considers the matter closed and will have no further comment.”

Jackson hadn’t suited up since Week 1 due to a lingering turf toe issue. Entering the game, Riley said Jackson was unlikely to play “short of a near disaster.” But when one back, Eli Sanders, suffered a potentially season-ending injury in the first quarter, and another, Waymond Jordan, suffered a serious ankle injury in the second, plans quickly changed.

Riley said Saturday night that USC was in communication with the league office at that time and had explained the situation to conference officials beforehand.

Jackson was medically cleared by USC and entered the game in the fourth quarter. He ran for 35 yards and a touchdown on five carries.

“The kid was ready to go and he stepped up,” Riley said. “That’s what you gotta have, man. You gotta have tough guys to play through it all if you want to win at this level.”