When tailback Broderick Green announced he was transferring, the first question that popped into most USC followers’ heads was: Who’s next?
Receiver Vidal Hazelton seemed like a logical candidate. Not only has his playing time dropped precipitously after he ranked second on the team in catches last season, but the coaches declined his request to seek a medical redshirt. In addition, Hazelton’s father has asserted that his son has not received the proper treatment for various injuries while at USC.
I talked to Hazelton on Monday night and asked him whether he was happy. His response? “Yes.”
I then asked whether he had any plans to transfer. His response? “No.”
I also asked about the end of the Stanford game. While the rest of his teammates gathered in front of USC’s section to participate in the postgame “Conquest” ritual, Hazelton walked the other way, toward the locker room. He said it wasn’t an act of frustration, and, in his defense, the coaches had to corral a handful of other players who were headed in that direction.
Regarding his reduced role — Hazelton is again part of the receiver rotation but has caught just one pass, against the Cardinal, since the season opener — the junior from New York said: “It’s definitely not what I’m used to. It’s the coaches’ call. I’ve just got to deal with it. … They see I do a good job blocking, so they want me to be a big part of the running game. I’m just out there doing what they ask of me.”
And regarding the influence and advice of his father, who wanted his son to attend an East Coast school, Hazelton said: “I always wanted to come here. As far as right now, he’s just telling me to keep my head up, practice hard and worry about the things you can control.”
More from the USC blog:
- USC football: Jeff Byers hopes NCAA acts fast
- USC football: Corp gaining ground on Mustain
- USC football: Sanchez braces for something new
- USC football: Injury updates as Notre Dame prep begins
- USC football: Maualuga, Mays among awards finalists
- USC football: LenDale White still can’t get it right
- USC football: This time it’s personal for Carroll
- Bowl poll: If not BCS title game, then where?
- USC football: Jinxing Oregon State
- USC football: Latest BCS standings crack up Carroll
Mr. Lev:
I might be able to help you in your article. I’m a retired Field Grade Officer (as Hazleton’s dad, Dexter is), my parents were divorced, as Hazleton’s are, and I am a former football player at a school with set traditions.
First off: Dexter did not want his son to attend USC and attempted to block him going there over his and his mother’s wishes. However, they prevailed and Dexter has had to live with it. He is not a happy camper, but don’t confuse that with his son’s wishes.
Second: Dexter had a complaint letter end up on the Internet that was intended for Pete Carroll, concerning his son’s health. Go figure. Vidal’s mother and Vidal did not agree with Dexter’s letter. Do you understand that? Vidal’s mother AND grandmother contacted the press and stated that Dexter was wrong, concerning any and all about that letter.
Third: USC was at an away game, where some of the players were going to remain in the Stanford area for the remainder of the weekend with their parents. When a team has some players staying and some flying, you will find many going directly to the dressing room due to the desire to avoid confusion.
Lastly: How many teams have you taken a vote of the players to see if they’re happy? I and others find it interesting that the media seems to find it necessary to ask USC players on a pretty regular basis. Have any of your reporters taken a player to player vote and/or interview with UCLA players to see if all are happy? According to their head coach they are not.
Doug:
A very poignant and appropriate letter. I absolutely despise what some of these self-proclaimed reporters call journalism. Well done.
Doug and Pierre:
I’m not sure how you can question my journalistic integrity in this matter. I made an observation, considered the history of the case AND talked to the person involved, allowing him to tell his side of the story.
The goal of this blog is to provide something of an insider’s perspective, and that’s what I’m trying to do.