NCAA turns down USC's request for reduced sanctions

USC is still feeling the effects of having scholarship reductions handed down by the NCAA. (Harry How/Getty Images)

The NCAA denied USC's request to have penalties reduced after the NCAA reduced sanctions levied against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal earlier this week, reports ESPN.com.

 "There is no comparison between USC and Penn State," the NCAA said in a statement Friday. "USC's appeal was denied, and there is no further consideration being given."

USC officials met with NCAA president Mark Emmert and other officials this week in Indianapolis to try to get some leniency on the sanctions.

USC was hammered with scholarship reduction penalties after an investigation found that former running back Reggie Bush and basketball player O.J. Mayo received extra improper benefits.

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The school also received four years of probation, vacated all football wins from December 2004 through the 2005 season, including the Trojans' victory over Oklahoma in the 2005 BCS Championship Game.