Riley Says Postgame Clash With Ohio State AD Is Over

Riley described the argument with Bjork as a brief burst of postgame emotion and said the two had settled it while heading toward the tunnel. He called Bjork a good athletic director and said the incident was no longer an issue. Riley declined to explain what started the exchange.

The confrontation came as people crowded the field and tunnel after USC upset then-No. 2 Ohio State. Riley was waiting to leave with his family when the flow of people slowed near a checkpoint. Ohio State personnel were also trying to get injured defensive end Eddrick Houston off the field with assistance, and others were left waiting.

Riley shouted profanities as Bjork and Ohio State staff passed. A Buckeyes staff member gestured toward Riley, and the tension appeared to ease. The two continued toward the tunnel before staff intervened.

Riley also explained why he delivered prepared remarks at the end of his postgame media session, including the statement, “I’m the right person for this job.” He said a roughly 30-minute wait for the team to gather in the locker room gave him time to collect his thoughts and write down what he wanted to say.

USC’s next game is against Indiana in Bloomington after an open date.