USC Senior RB Anthony Brown Quits Team

USC redshirt senior running back Anthony Brown has quit the football team, USC head coach Steve Sarkisian announced today. 

"Anthony decided not to play football anymore. We obviously tried to encourage him not to quit. We thought he would be an asset to our team, especially when healthy. I really tried to make it a point to accommodate the position change to running back. He unfortunately got injured in training camp and was working his way back when he decided he didn't want to play anymore. It's been unfortunate because we could've used him. I think he could've helped us. As far as what he said on Twitter, I think it's ridiculous. Any of you guys who know me, or if you ask anyone in our building, or ask any of our players -- feel free to -- that's the furthest thing from the truth," said Sarkisian.

This morning, Brown accused Sarkisian on various social media outlets. On Instagram he posted a picture reading "Couldn't play for a racist man!!!!" with the caption, "Sark treated me like a slave in his office...Can't play for a racist MAN #FightOn." Brown took down the post a couple hours later.

"Quite honestly, I'm shocked," said Sarkisian in response to Brown's accusations. 

Some players are offering their support of Sarkisian. 

USC wide receiver George Farmer tweeted, "Coach Sark is who we believe him to be. Accusations like those couldn't be more untrue."

"Coach Sark is a great person/Coach! Please disregard comments that have been made by someone," said junior running back Antwaun Woods via Twitter.

"Coach Sark is a great coach and an even better person. Accusations like that couldn't be more untrue," said outside linebacker Scott Starr via Twitter. 

Former USC running back Marc Tyler, who played at USC from 2007-2011, also showed his support for Sarkisian, who Tyler says was his main recruiter for his high school. Tyler tweeted that Sarkisian is "far from racist." 

Former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart also tweeted out his support for Sarkisian. 

"I know Sark as well as anyone. He is the farthest thing from a racist. This is a ridiculous claim!" he said. 

Brown has 43 tackles in his career and started 6 times for the Trojans. He switched from cornerback to running back over the summer.