Two links worth clicking involved former members of the USC football program:
Former quarterback Matt Cassel — who never started a game for the Trojans — has agreed to a six-year, $63 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN.com. Cassel will receive $28 million in guaranteed money, per the report.
(In related news, there’s still hope for Mitch Mustain.)
Meanwhile, a $500,000 lawsuit has been filed against ex-USC assistant coach David Watson, the university and a local auto dealership, according to LAist.com.
The suit stems from a May 2008 car accident. Watson, who was battling a painkiller addiction at the time, was driving a car that struck the plaintiff’s. The suit claims USC is negligent as well because it provided the car to Watson and should have known about his condition.
More from the USC blog:
- 2009 USC opponent preview: Washington State
- USC football: Pete Carroll only third-best?
- USC football recruiting: Is the chase over for QB Rettig?
- USC football recruiting: Henderson plans to visit USC
- 2009 USC opponent preview: Washington
- USC football recruiting: Anthony Brown commits to USC
- 2009 USC opponent preview: Ohio State
- USC basketball: DeRozan signs with Raptors
- USC Football: Wright avoids jail time
- 2009 USC opponent preview: San Jose State
Michael, don’t you think that it is crazy on KC’s part to hand out all that money to Matt and he hasn’t even played a down yet for their team? I mean, was he a product of the system in New England or do you think he will actually flourish for Todd Haley and the Chiefs?
It’s a risk, no doubt. I don’t know the Chiefs’ cap situation in detail, but I’m pretty sure they could have afforded to have him play for franchise-tag money this season before reassessing the situation in 2010.
On the flip side, Cassel’s contract situation is no longer an issue — i.e., distraction — for him or the organization. And his deal is line with the one the Jets gave to Mark Sanchez, who hasn’t played a single down in the NFL.
As for the degree to which Cassel will succeed, he clearly has the ability. But as you note, he had great pieces around him in New England. That isn’t the case in KC. It’ll take time to improve the talent base. Cassel (and KC’s fans) must remain patient, and he must endure the criticism and physical punishment he’s bound to take while Scott Pioli rebuilds.
I can only assume that KC likes what they have seen of Cassel thus far. He has all the physical and mental tools, so I feel confident that he will be much more than a system QB.
Regarding the 2nd story: yet another bandwaggoner trying to milk the USC cash cow.