Marshall Faulk (#28), who was the greatest back to come out of San Diego State, would have gladly taken money while in college.
Marshall Faulk is pretty flippant about NCAA regulations. He understands Reggie Bush’s perspective with respect to cash payments to athletes but doesn’t see why coaches aren’t held accountable for violations. In an article by Jim Moore, Faulk stated that he would have had no problem taking money while in school if it was offered to him.
“Were you ever offered anything in college?” I asked.
“Nah, I went to San Diego State,” Faulk said. “Other than good weather, they didn’t have much to offer me, unfortunately. I wish I’d gone to a bigger program and had them slide me some cash to take care of my family, but that wasn’t the case.”
“Would you have taken it? I asked.
“Heck yeah, I would have taken it,” Faulk said. “I’m not gonna lie to you, there’s no doubt about it.”
Faulk is also frustrated with the NCAA sanctioning schools and players rather than the head coach whenever there is a major infraction. Programs and players take 100% the heat for their acts, but the often former head coach is free to move on without any sort of accountability. This lack of accountability is constantly seen throughout the coaching carousel and without punishing coaches, there is no incentive not to cheat.
Perhaps Faulk’s words will shed light on the NCAA and the NFL to hold coaches, who flee to the NFL, responsible for any and all infractions under their watch. In the meantime, Coach Carroll continues to bash the NCAA for punishments levied against USC knowing there will be no repercussion for his comments.
