Stop me if you've heard this one before: We're a short time away from learning the results of the NCAA's investigation into violations committed by USC's football and basketball programs. A good deal of speculation can mercifully be tossed out the window at this point, as reports indicate USC has actually got the Committee's report in hand:
The report, expected to be one of the longest the committee has ever issued, will be released to the public on Thursday via teleconference. USC will then hold a press conference or release a video statement shortly afterwards to respond to the NCAA's findings.
And if you think this means it's all about to be over, you're about to be rapidly disabused of that notion:
Following the release of the report, USC has 15 days to submit a written notice that it is appealing any findings or rulings of the Committee on Infractions. Appeals are based solely on the school's belief that the committee's findings are contrary to the evidence presented, or that the facts did not constitute a violation of NCAA rules or that there was a procedural error in the process.
For discussion of this and any further developments, check out SBN's USC Trojans blog, Conquest Chronicles.