UPDATE 8/26: Steve Sarkisian says the school has gotten calls questioning Shaw's story, and will investigate his claims - full story here.
Original article:
It's always tough to see a player get hurt right before the season starts, but USC CB Josh Shaw has no regrets about putting his nephew's safety ahead of his own.
Shaw was standing on a second-floor balcony at a family gathering when he saw his 7-year-old nephew fall into a pool, and knowing the nephew couldn't swim, Shaw immediately sprang into action. Shaw jumped off the balcony, spraining both of his ankles in the process, but still made it to the pool, pulled his nephew to safety, and climbed out under his own power.
Tests at a nearby hospital revealed two high-ankle sprains, and there's no timetable for his return. USC HC Steve Sarkisian is disappointed to be missing one of his seniors, but completely understands Shaw's decision:
“That was a heroic act by Josh, putting his personal safety aside. But that’s the kind of person he is. It is unfortunate that he’ll be sidelined for a while and we will miss his leadership and play, but I know he’ll be working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
Shaw, for his part, says he'd do the same thing again even if it wasn't for a family member:
“I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew,” Shaw said today. “My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world. I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible.”
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