The USC football program has issued a multi-week suspension of a reporter’s access due to Trojans coach Lincoln Riley’s issue with a recent story.

Beat writer Luca Evans published a story last week that included quotes from a conversation between players that happened before an official media availability. Riley had qualms about the story and relayed those thoughts to USC’s Director of Football Communications.

The Southern California News Group calls the suspension an overreaction, going as far as to say that “… in football parlance, USC is looking to kick him out of multiple games for a false start. We ask that this suspension be rescinded immediately.”

Athletic director Jennifer Cohen says USC stands by the football program’s decision in a statement published in The Orange County Register:

“After careful consideration, USC supports the football program’s decision regarding Luca’s two-week suspension. We recognize this may be disappointing, but we hope you can understand the need to enforce our media policies as we strive to create a positive and comfortable environment for our players and coaches.”

The suspension will be upheld until Sept. 28 despite the SCNG’s public disagreement.

Evans had already been flagged earlier in the season for asking questions after a press conference concluded and talking to players and coaches at times that were not designated media availabilities.