Steve Sarkisian: USC looking into Shaw’s heroic story

LOS ANGELES – Southern California coach Steve Sarkisian says the school is investigating defensive back Josh Shaw’s story that he injured both of his ankles jumping off a balcony to save his nephew from drowning.

Sarkisian said USC has received calls contradicting Shaw’s detailed claims about his two high ankle sprains. Shaw’s story was told in a detailed post on the Trojans’ website Monday hailing the fifth-year senior’s heroism.

“We’re looking at it,” Sarkisian said after practice Tuesday. “Josh is adamant with what occurred.”

Sarkisian said he had “no history to not believe Josh and his story.” The first-year USC coach declined to discuss the discrepancies in detail, or the identity of the callers who contradicted the story. Shaw wasn’t made available to reporters, and he didn’t immediately return a phone message Tuesday.

Shaw apparently told the school he was at a family party when he saw his 7-year-old nephew struggling in a pool. According to the website, Shaw jumped from a second-story balcony onto concrete before rescuing his nephew, who doesn’t know how to swim.

Although Shaw’s injuries aren’t expected to keep him out for the season, Sarkisian still wants to know exactly how they happened.

“I think it’s important to know your players,” Sarkisian said.