Walking the treadmill and watching ESPNews, I just learned that the Seattle fired Jim Mora Jr. today after one season leading the Seahawks. Understand the network's Chris 'Mort' Mortensen is reporting that Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll is the top choice to take the job and a deal is close to being done.

Then came the shocker.

John Clayton, discussing the story during his daily NFL report, said it was possible that Carroll wanted to prove himself after failing at two NFL stops (New England, NY Jets) before his amazing run of success at USC. Lost a lot of respect for Clayton. How could he discuss this story without even mentioning the cloud that hangs over the Trojan program with the never-ending (it would seem) NCAA investigation of alleged violations concerning former Trojan Reggie Bush (he just finished his, what, third NFL season?).

First thing I thought of when I heard the story was Michael Jordan's first retirement that was followed by whispers of him giving it up to avoid being suspended by David Stern for his involvement with gambling.

Still don't know if there was any truth to that or any of the questions surrounding SC, but I'd be willing to bet (not much mind you), that as soon as Carroll is good and gone, the NCAA investigation of Bush will soon be wrapped up.