Josh Shaw could play this season for the Trojans, as head coach Steve Sarkisian commended his senior cornerback for coming forward with the truth.

Shaw told the University of Southern California (USC) athletic department's website that he lied about how he suffered two high ankle sprains. His original story, published on USC's homepage, was that he leapt from a second-story balcony to save his seven-year-old nephew from drowning.

"The reality of it is it has been addressed," Sarkisian told reporters, according to ESPN. "He's suspended indefinitely and there are some other things that have to take place. In the meantime, he's got to take care of his health and take care of himself. When the time is right - and if the time is right - to bring him back, we will."

The only part of Shaw's story that was true was falling from a balcony, but Sarkisian said the football player could not share any further details. Shaw has retained Donald Etra as an attorney.

"My understanding is that there is nothing criminal about this whatsoever," Etra told ESPN. "There is no criminal activity whatsoever."

Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Andy Neiman told the Associated Press that Shaw was named in a break-in incident, but not as a suspect. He also said the victim had a relationship with Shaw and that linking Shaw to the break-in would be "premature."

Though Shaw's injury is treatable and would not keep him out all season, Sarkisian suspended his newly minted captain indefinitely. Stating he had every reason to believe his player, Sarkisian said the suspension was for lying, not what he may or may not have done.

If Shaw were to be charged with anything, he could face further punishment.

"We're obviously disappointed," Sarkisian said. "We're held to a very high standard here at USC. I've known Josh Shaw for six years, when I first started to recruit him. Since I've gotten here, everyone spoke glowingly of him that has worked with him over the last few years here."

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