Palmer Shows Some Trojan Class

Ohio State and USC fans have been geared up for their September 13 clash since last season ended. But for some casual fans, Bengals QB Carson Palmer kicked things into overdrive by trashing the Buckeyes on an LA radio station. Palmer dissed both OSU football and their fans, saying the fans drive him nuts and that he can't wait for the '09 game for USC to administer a "butt-kicking".

Not so surprisingly, Bengal fans that also root for Ohio State aren't too amused, though Palmer released a backpedaling statement saying he meant no harm. Coach Tressel gave his usual non-response to the controversy, but you can be sure they'll be replayed over and over again as the game approaches.

The problem isn't really Palmer's pride in his alma mater; it's the tone of the comments, which came off bitter and condescending. It's the kind of thing I'd expect from an SEC player, but Palmer makes it sound like the Pac Ten is superior in some way. Save for his Trojan, the conference has been awfully lame over the last decade. Palmer may still be smarting from his senior campaign, when the Trojans finished strong but lost to their two toughest opponents, Kansas State and Washington State. Myabe he feels like USC deserved a shot at the title over undefeated Ohio State or undefeated Miami (FL). WSU actually won the Pac 10 that season, but lost a big non-conference game - to Ohio State.