The USC Trojans have been the most disappointing team in all of college football.
At 7-5, they have long-been eliminated when it comes to Playoff contention … And make no mistake, with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams in charge, a Playoff spot was always the expectation for this season.
Needless to say, things have not gone according to plan … Far from it.
In the aftermath of USC’s 38-20 loss to the rival UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Williams faced criticism from the football world for his decision not to speak to reporters.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport called out Williams’ immature decision to dodge the media.
Rapoport made the point that as the quarterback and face of the team, Williams needs to always be accountable – especially when times are tough.
He used Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as an example … Fresh off the devastating news that his wrist injury will end his season, Burrow made sure to meet the media and answer each and every question that was thrown his way.
“Joe Burrow learned his season was over on Friday, understood his responsibility, and went out and held a news conference. The job of a QB and face of the franchise,” Rapoport tweeted on X.
Joe Burrow learned his season was over on Friday, understood his responsibility, and went out and held a news conference. The job of a QB and face of the franchise. https://t.co/Xh0S6LpfUT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2023
Many fans looked at Williams’ decision as cowardly.
The worrying decision is not an isolated incident when it comes to the expected #1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Williams infamously painted his fingers last season to spell out “F*ck Utah” prior to the Trojans Pac-12 title game against the Utes (which USC would go on to lose).
Then this season, there have been troubling reports that Williams allegedly has a list of NFL teams that he won’t play for.
There’s also reports that Williams wants a stake in ownership from the team that drafts him … (Jeez.)
Many people had varying opinions on the scene that unfolded after USC’s loss to Washington earlier this month, when Williams jumped into the stands and sobbed in his mother’s arms…
Caleb Williams was extremely emotional after tonight’s loss, crying with him familypic.twitter.com/2MRRZ7SRZO
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 5, 2023
No one is doubting Williams’ talent … Although there is no denying that he hasn’t progressed the way many expected him to this season.
The question is: will his character concerns end up effecting his draft stock?
Not a fan of Caleb Williams cowering away from the media tbh A leader takes accountability win or lose. Better get used to that in the NFL bro https://t.co/KNHG3xNPmg
— Master At Work (@MasterAtWorkinc) November 19, 2023
Dan Patrick spoke about Williams’ decision to duck reporters following the UCLA loss…
“If that was my son I’d say ‘Go in there, answer the questions the best you can. Be proud of what you did. You have reason to be proud because without you they may have two wins this year,” he said.
"If that was my son I'd say 'Go in there, answer the questions the best you can. Be proud of what you did. You have reason to be proud because without you they may have two wins this year."
-DP reacts to Caleb Williams deciding to not speak to the media #Fighton✌️ pic.twitter.com/JWHTJZwWEo
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) November 20, 2023
What do you make of all the drama surrounding Williams?
Do you chalk it up to immaturity issues that he will grow from?
Or are these red-flags that can’t be ignored???
Meet Caleb Williams
The guy Giants fans salivate over
NY media would absolutely destroy him pic.twitter.com/FCJaD6uFYL
— King Commando (@xProudPapax) November 15, 2023