Robinson, USC at odds over football banquet

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001 | 12:22 p.m.

John Robinson's first USC squad will be honored for its 25th anniversary on Friday night at the school's annual Salute To Troy banquet. But don't expect the UNLV head coach to be in attendance.

Although coaching colleagues of Robinson say he planned to bury the hatchet with USC athletic director Mike Garrett -- the man who fired Robinson as Trojan head coach in a controversial move in 1997 -- for one night so he could attend the function, Robinson was informed by members of the school's football alumni association not to bother showing up.

Robinson refused to comment on the snub when asked by a reporter this week. But several colleagues said that he was deeply disappointed that the school he coached to the 1978 national championship and four Rose Bowl victories would turn its back on him now.

When asked last week if Robinson was excluded from the event, USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone said he was unaware of such an order.

"As far as I know, John would be welcomed, although I'm sure he probably wouldn't want to sit too close to Mike," Tessalone joked.

A number of players from the 1976 squad, including star quarterback Vince Evans, have hinted they may boycott the dinner because of Robinson's absence.

"It's just unfortunate," Evans told the Los Angeles Daily News. "I'm still pondering it. I heard that he wasn't going to go there. I was disappointed for the obvious reason. He was my leader and head coach."

Meanwhile, starting defensive end Ahmad Briggs, who injured his shoulder in last Saturday's scrimmage at Sam Boyd Stadium, is scheduled to undergo an MRI today.