Mystery Surrounds USC Football Player's Dramatic Pool Rescue - East Idaho News
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Mystery Surrounds USC Football Player’s Dramatic Pool Rescue

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Getty 082714 USC?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1409172042925David Buchan/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — The University of Southern California has received several calls questioning the authenticity of football player Josh Shaw’s story about saving his nephew from potentially drowning and is investigating the matter, coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Shaw, 22, a cornerback on the Trojans football team, said he suffered a pair of ankle sprains Saturday night after jumping from the second story of an apartment complex to save his 7-year-old nephew, Carter, who was struggling in the pool.

The fifth-year senior said he landed on concrete before crawling into the pool and steering his nephew to dry land before grabbing a ladder and lifting himself out of the water using just his arms.

As story of the rescue gained attention, other accounts emerged conflicting with Shaw’s story.

“We’ve gotten a few phone calls contradicting what Josh said occurred Saturday night, so we’re going to continue to vet it,” Sarkisian said.

At this point, it’s unclear who made those calls or what part of the story is being challenged. Shaw did suffer sprains in both ankles, and he remains sidelined indefinitely.

“The X-Rays and MRIs we have taken on him have come back negative,” Sarkisian said. “So far, we don’t see anything structurally wrong with him, but he is very sore.”

Shaw was noticeably absent from practice Tuesday.

Over the weekend, he was voted a team captain. He was expected to be a major contributor for USC this season.

Shaw’s sister Asia — Carter’s mother — said she didn’t witness the incident but was quick to defend her brother.

“My child is safe, and it’s because of Josh,” she told ABC News. “I really do praise God and I just hope that he has a speedy recovery.”


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