There was a party where 4 USC players were present. One of the players at the party had a stolen gun with a missing serial number. The police showed up and found the gun and, I know it is hard to believe, but found some beer and some "dope" as well.
The AD said "I need to make a statement" and threw all 4 players off the team as soon as word of the unsavory acts got out.
Probably none of those players will get degrees and the team is in the shambles but now at least no one risks getting further "embarrassed" over bad publicity.