MOBILE, ALA. — A series of lies cost Southern California cornerback Josh Shaw dearly this past season, damaging his reputation and raising significant questions about his character.
A senior captain for the Trojans, Shaw lied to his coaches in August about the cause of a pair of high-ankle sprains. He concocted an elaborate story about how he had jumped off a terrace to save a drowning nephew in a swimming pool.
Shaw stuck to his story for days and was hailed as a hero, until the truth was discovered. USC athletic department officials learned that Shaw had panicked about potentially being arrested after an argument with his girlfriend and had jumped from a balcony wearing flip-flops.
Shaw was no hero. USC suspended him, and he played in just three games as a senior.
Healthy again, Shaw vowed to be transparent with NFL teams this week at the Senior Bowl all-star game. He's regarded as an intriguing NFL draft prospect: a 6-foot, 198-pound cornerback-safety, albeit one with major baggage.
Shaw has been honest with teams with which he's met, including the Ravens. Shaw said he had a positive talk with the Ravens, who are scrutinizing the defensive back class after a season in which they had five cornerbacks go on injured reserve, including top cornerback Jimmy Smith.
"I just tell them the truth about what happened," Shaw said. "They understand that it's over with. The main thing for them is just to see me be very forthcoming and transparent with them."
Shaw also played in the East-West Shrine Game and met with several teams there about the incident.