USC's appeal denied

[Hurricane Season]

USC has been notified by the NCAA infractions appeals committee that all penalties and findings against the athletic department have been upheld, according to a person close to the situation.

USC had pointed in its appeal to precedent as a reason that their penalties were excessive. But the appeals committee stated that those cases were not directly applicable, the source said.

USC will lose 30 scholarships over the next three years and won't be eligible to play in this year's Pac-12 title game or a bowl game.

The NCAA imposed those penalties in June 2010 after ruling Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and basketball player O.J. Mayo received improper benefits. The university also was cited for a lack of institutional control. Bush gave back his Heisman Trophy.

Two weeks after the June ruling, school officials said they would appeal some of the penalties, calling them excessive. The Trojans were given four years probation, had to vacate 14 wins and were required to banish Bush from the program.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=6589820