USC takes down video of unmasked players

Bohn apologizes for images from in- house branding event and calls it “out of step.”

One day after USC announced the launch of BLVD Studios, its in- house creative lab, with a f lashy video depicting Trojans players and coaches attending a faux Hollywood premiere and a pool party in the Hollywood Hills, the university took the video down.

The school deemed those scenes of unmasked players and coaches during the pandemic to be insensitive.

Athletic director Mike Bohn apologized for the video in a statement Friday afternoon, calling it “out of step.”

“It was meant to be lighthearted in an otherwise tough year and we encouraged our athletes to participate,” Bohn said. “In retrospect, the themes and timing of the video were out of step, especially given the challenges everyone is facing today. I apologize to the USC community for this lapse in judgment. We know we can do better next time.”

The removal of the video doesn’t impact the launch of BLVD Studios, which USC created to prepare for landscape- altering changes coming to college football, when the NCAA’s rules regarding name, image and likeness are adjusted next year.

Those involved with the filming of the video, which was done on Sunday and Monday, were tested and subject to COVID- 19 safety precautions, according to USC. Players and coaches are already subject to rigorous daily testing, just to hold football practice on USC’s campus.

USC is slated to open its football season next Saturday against Arizona State.

The video was meant to depict the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to sell recruits on the potential branding power of Los Angeles.