USC Fires Top Athletics Administrators Over Scandal

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Three of the most senior officials in the University of Southern California athletic department, including CFO and COO Steve Lopes, were fired Tuesday in part for their roles in the "Varsity Blues" admissions scandal, sources told the Los Angeles Times.

Ron Orr, a senior associate athletic director who led the Trojan Athletic Fund, is also out, along with associate athletic director Scott Jacobson, who worked with Orr in development and fundraising.

As reported by the Times, this week's personnel shakeup is just the latest fallout stemming from the admissions bribery scandal that captured the nation's attention last year. Donna Heinel, a top athletic department administrator, and legendary water polo coach Jovan Vavic were charged in the case and quickly fired by USC. Both have pleaded not guilty. Two former USC soccer coaches — Ali Khosroshahin and Laura Janke — also were charged. They pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with authorities but haven’t been sentenced.

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