USC’s Chuma Edoga loses starting job for shoving official

During Saturday’s 45-7 win over Utah State, USC Trojans offensive lineman Chuma Edoga let emotions get the best of him as he was ejected for pushing an official and throwing a punch at an Aggies defender.

That moment of lost temper has led to the left tackle losing much more: his starting job.

USC head coach Clay Helton said that Edoga, who will be suspended for the next game against Stanford, will not face further punishment from the program for his actions, but he will lose his top spot on the depth chart.

“We’ve had the opportunity to talk to the Pac-12 and his ejection in the first series of the game constituted a full game for the player,” Helton said, via Kyle Bonagura of ESPN. “No additional discipline was needed by the conference. Internally, from our standpoint, Chuma will be demoted from his starting role.”

Helton also exlaind Edoga was aware of the severity of his actions and that he was embarrassed for the unsportsmanlike display.

“Obviously a poor decision by a young person — that’s not what we intended or what we represent. Just a young person making an emotional decision,” Helton said. “I had a chance to talk to Chuma, and he was embarrassed by it and it doesn’t reflect who he is. He got caught up in the moment and got overly emotional and made a poor decision.”

The Trojans will take on Pac-12 rival Stanford this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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