Pete Carroll not mad at Bush for NCAA violations

Published on July 17, 2010 by Seahawk Fanatic     

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday on “NFL Total Access” that if he could go back in time, he would handle things at USC a little differently after alleged NCAA violations cost the school past victories and future scholarships.

Carroll didn’t make excuses for what allegedly happened with current Saints RB Reggie Bush, who could lose his 2005 Heisman Trophy, but the coach did point out that it was hard to keep track of players’ families, especially those from outside of the area.

In other words, Carroll said he had no knowledge of what was going on with Bush, who reportedly received gifts from prospective agents, but he wishes he would have.

However, Carroll, did add that he isn’t upset at Bush because he looks at him like a son.

Of course, some USC fans might say that if you’re going to play the “go back in time” scenario, how about that fourth-and-1 play call against Texas late in the fourth quarter of the 2006 Rose Bowl? Lindsay Soto didn’t ask Carroll that question.

Carroll had three segments on “NFL Total Access” while promoting his new book, “Win Forever,” and he also chatted with fans on NFL.com.

The coach’s motto is “Always Compete,” and he’s bringing that attitude with him to Seattle. Carroll has made headlines with some of his moves — one of the most noteworthy being the acquisition of QB Charlie Whitehurst in a trade with the Chargers.

Carroll said Friday that he brought in Whitehurst to compete for the Seahawks’ starting job, but Matt Hasselbeck has enjoyed the best offseason of his life. The veteran QB’s conditioning and command of the offense so far has impressed Carroll.

Tags: 2006 Rose Bowl, Chargers, Charlie Whitehurst, coach pete carroll, Fourth Quarter, Heisman Trophy, Lindsay Soto, Matt Hasselbeck, Motto, Ncaa Violations, Offseason, Prospective Agents, Reggie Bush, Rose Bowl, saints, Scholarships, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Segments, Usc Fans, Veteran