USC manager fired for deflating balls in loss

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Southern California says it has fired a student manager who intentionally deflated game footballs below NCAA-mandated pressure levels for the Trojans' loss to Oregon last week.

USC announced the dismissal of the unnamed student manager on its website late Wednesday night.

The school says it was reprimanded and fined by the Pac-12.

Underinflated footballs are thought to be easier to catch and throw. The Ducks had little trouble throwing or catching throughout their 62-51 win, the worst defensive performance in USC history.

USC says game officials discovered some of the underinflated footballs before the game and others at halftime, fixing the balls before the second half.

USC says the student manager acknowledged he deflated the balls of his own accord after they had been checked by officials before the game.

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