A figure in the ongoing corruption scandal in the Los Angeles County assessor's office has admitted he gave gifts to two USC athletes in 2008-09, a violation of National College Athletic Association rules, it was reported Saturday.
In emails obtained by the Los Angeles Times, former appraiser Scott Schenter said he gave ex-Trojan football star Joe McKnight the use of vehicles and an airline ticket and about $3,700 in cash to basketball player Davon Jefferson.
The emails indicated that Schenter hoped the two players would help him market some private business ventures he was attempting to start, according to the story.
USC officials say they have reported the violations to the NCAA and are continuing to review the situation.
"We have just learned of (the) new allegations...," USC Athletic Director Pat Haden said in a written statement. "We have discussed those allegations with the NCAA and Pac-12 (Conference) and we will thoroughly investigate them and take any and all necessary actions."
