Thoughts on Pete Carroll of USC Acting Unprofessional!

This past week, QB Mark Sanchez of USC announced that he would be forgoing his senior year to enter the NFL Draft. Unlike most of the underclassmen that will be entering the draft, Sanchez will graduate this spring. Nevertheless, Pete Carroll, the head coach of USC, was not happy with Sanchez’s decision to go pro, and he let his feelings be known in a press conference, in which Sanchez announced his decision to leave USC for the NFL.

Without question, Pete Carroll’s behavior at Mark Sanchez’s press conference was unprofessional. Carroll had nothing good to say about Sanchez, and he decided to let everyone know that Sanchez had made a poor decision, by entering the NFL Draft. In addition, Carroll left the podium during the interview, which was embarrassing to Mark Sanchez and to others attendees.

Where did this marriage go wrong? A few weeks ago, Pete Carroll and Mark Sanchez were celebrating after trouncing Penn State University in the Rose Bowl. But, oh how times have changed? Carroll and Sanchez’s relationship appears to be rockier than in-laws that fight for 30 years.

Clearly, Pete Carroll wants Mark Sanchez to stay another year at USC. However, Carroll’s actions in the press conference were unflattering and disloyal to Sanchez, who has already spent fours at the institution. Since Sanchez is graduating this spring, what does Carroll want Sanchez to study in the fall? Unfortunately, Pete Carroll does not appear to care about Sanchez’s studies; at least, you can infer this from his reaction to Sanchez’s departure. Now, we need to be asking more questions about Pete Carroll’s character. Is Carroll more concerned about the success of his football team than the education and financial well being of his football players?

If Carroll wanted the media and sports fans to side with him, over Sanchez’s departure, he should have mentioned further education for Sanchez, a master’s program or something, as well as football. Instead, Pete Carroll showed his arrogance in the press conference that was reserved to celebrate Sanchez’s accomplishments at USC, both in the classroom and on the football field.

Before Mark Sanchez’s press conference, most people thought Pete Carroll had class. After the press conference, most people are shaking their heads about Carroll’s reaction to Sanchez’s departure from USC. Pete Carroll, how could you embarrass Mark Sanchez, a young man, that risked injury for four years in your football program? Next time, Carroll needs to think more rationally before speaking about another player that enters the NFL Draft against his wishes. His actions in the press conference would not be tolerated in Corporate America; this may explain why Pete Carroll is coaching, instead.

Unless Mark Sanchez performs poorly at the NFL Combine, he will probably be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. Hopefully, Sanchez becomes a good NFL QB, even if Pete Carroll does not believe he is ready.