[Stardust]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/...thursday/1


After weeks of speculation about when the NCAA would hand down its verdict on the University of Southern California over possible violations in both the football and men's basketball programs, it appears that time has finally come.

The NCAA announced that a teleconference is scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET where its findings will be released.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the school will receive a two-year bowl ban and a significant loss of scholarships, perhaps more than 20. The paper quoted a person with knowledge of the report. It said school officials would not confirm the penalties.

ESPN.com reported Wednesday night that "a forfeiture of wins from at least the 2004 season" as part of the punishment.

According to the Times, when asked if the penalties where appropriate, a person with knowledge of the situation said "It depends how you look at it. It is if you're a UCLA fan."

Another person who had seen the report told the Los Angeles Daily News, "We got killed. There's no way we won't appeal this decision. One year would be hard to take, but two years?"

TIMELINE: Inside look at lengthy investigation at USC


There was no word on whether the men's basketball program would be punished further than the school's self-imposed penalties, which included a postseason ban for the 2009-10 season as well as limits on scholarships, but it appears they won't face further sanctions.

Asked if USC had heard from the NCAA, Athletic Director Mike Garrett said: "We are looking at things right now. That's about all I can say."

USC spokesmen said the university would address the situation when the NCAA makes the report public, which it will Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The school would be expected to appeal, not uncommon when significant penalties are handed down.

The investigation centers on former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush in football and O.J. Mayo in basketball. The school already has self-imposed some penalties in basketball. The committee could choose to add to those.