Ok, so what would the penalty be?

Since ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” broke a story last week that former USC player O.J. Mayo allegedly recevied as much as $30,000 in cash and gifts from someone working for sports agency that Mayo eventually signed with, both the NCAA and the Pac-10 have said they will conduct investigations to see if there was any wrongdoing.

Now the NBA Players Players Association is getting into the act saying that it too is investigaing the matter.

Bill Duffy Associates Sports Management is accused of giving Rodney Guillory $250,000 in cash and gifts to land the prized recruit to its agency. Mayo eventually signed with BDA Sports Management after he announced that he was turning pro after the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, his only season with the Trojans.

If USC is found guilty that it knew about Mayo’s dealings they could lose anything from scholarships to a postseason ban.

Mayo, on the other hand, is expected to be a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft next month and will no doubt sign a multi-million dollar contract and could make even more in endorsements.

The NBAPA prohibits college players from accepting money and gifts that could influence their choice of a sports agent or agency.

Ok, that’s fine and dandy. But if Mayo is found guilty, what would be his punishment?

Would he lose part of his NBA salary? Would he have to give back the $30,000 he’s accused of taking from BDA Sports Management? Would his draft value drop? Would he have to go an play in Europe, Asia or the Middle East for a year? Would he be sentenced to (God forbid) the Los Angeles Clippers for a year?

Until this is question is answered, Mayo is in a win-win situation and everyone else - especially USC could lose a lot.

Photo: Newscom