The USC Trojans suspended sophomore wide receiver Munir McClain last month in connection with a possible federal fraud investigation centered on alleged misuse of unemployment benefits, the Los Angeles Times reported.
McClain applied for financial relief from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program after his source of income — reselling high-end shoes — had slowed during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and he assumed he qualified.
Sometimes, a pair would go for $1,000, and California's PUA has a minimum benefit of $767 a week, The Times reported.
While college students don't qualify under the normal unemployment insurance policy, the new, temporary program expanded benefit eligibility to include gig workers, independent contractors, self-employed workers, part-time workers and individuals with a limited work history.