USC head coach Lincoln Riley characterized a heated postgame confrontation with Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork as a momentary flare-up fueled by adrenaline, saying the two resolved the matter quickly after the Trojans' 30-18 victory over the second-ranked Buckeyes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Riley addresses incident
Speaking at his Tuesday press conference, Riley declined to detail what sparked the verbal exchange captured in viral social media videos. "Not an issue," Riley said. "Just typical emotions after the game. We squashed it on the way up the tunnel. Ross is a good guy and a really good AD. Just really a non-issue."
The altercation occurred as Riley attempted to escort his family off the field and was delayed by Ohio State personnel exiting. Bjork muttered something to Riley, prompting a response, and the two continued a brief shouting match before staff intervened.
The win marked the most significant of Riley's tenure at USC and may serve as a season turning point after a week of speculation about his job security. The Trojans have an open date before traveling to face Indiana next weekend.
