Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Letter to the editor:

Rebels earn respect from USC

Just a note from a longtime USC fan about the UNLV football team’s show of respect toward Trojan long snapper Jake Olsen in their Sept. 1 game. (Editor’s note: Olsen, who is blind, snapped the ball on the final point-after try in USC’s 43-21 victory. UNLV coach Tony Sanchez, who was aware of Olsen’s disability, instructed his players not to attempt to block the kick.)

It was a show of class and respect from one college organization to another that should define the college experience. Coach Sanchez taught his team a life lesson that transcends college football. Regardless of the score of that one game, his players and fans came away from that experience as winners.

I am sure that I am not the only college football fan who appreciated the classy move by UNLV at the end of a hard-fought battle. The Rebels are impressive and well coached, and they will experience many victories this year, on and off the field.