USC could be in trouble again.
One reporter is saying that star wide receiver Robert Woods didn't pass all of his concussion tests prior to returning to the field after a vicious hit.
Woods collapsed on the field last Thursday night after sustaining a helmet-to-helmet injury in punt coverage. Woods got up under his own power after the hit, but stumbled as he tried to run to the sideline before collapsing and staying down.
Woods missed just one play after the hit.
Brian Smith, who contributes to Utah's Scout.com site, was standing behind the USC sideline when trainers were administering tests to Woods. Smith claimed that Woods failed his verbal tests before passing his balance test.
Smith has since deleted those tweets and back pedaled on his original report.
Ok, time to eat some crow (as the attacks continue). I was not able to hear every word the trainer said, and my words were too sharp for…
— Brian Smith (@UtahInsider) October 9, 2012
…what I observed. For sake of the attacks coming my way, I'll leave it at that. I hope the discussions continue generally on concussions
— Brian Smith (@UtahInsider) October 9, 2012
Smith may not have heard everything the USC trainers and Woods were saying, but he did not completely retract the report and it was obvious that Woods had been shaken up on the play. Woods spoke to the media today and said that he "probably" lost consciousness when he first hit the ground. Woods was also asked what concussions tests were administered on the sidelines.
"Balance test, math questions, game time … hundred minus seven, minus seven, minus seven," said Woods.
Woods didn't seem to recall the events of the hit and the immediate aftermath. He said that USC has continued to test Woods for a concussion and that he's passed those as well. He seemed in high spirits, laughing off the incident a few times.
Woods has 31 receptions for 272 yards and five touchdowns on the season. He finished Thursday night's game with six receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Watch a video of the helmet-to-helmet hit and Woods' reaction below.
