Calls contradict USC football player Josh Shaw's ankle injury explanation

EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- USC football player Josh Shaw says he injured both ankles leaping from a balcony to save his nephew from drowning in a pool Saturday, but now Coach Sarkisian says some unidentified phone calls have contradicted the story.

"I have no reason, no history to not believe Josh and his story and what has occurred," said Sarkisian. USC officials are investigating.

Shaw said the incident occurred at a family party in Palmdale. He said he saw his 7-year-old nephew struggling in a pool.

The university announced Monday that the senior cornerback -- who was recently named a team captain -- would be out indefinitely with two high-ankle sprains suffered when he jumped from the second-story balcony. Shaw said he saw his nephew, who cannot swim, struggling in the pool and jumped to save him. He landed on the concrete, injuring his ankles, then crawled to the pool and pulled the boy to safety.

"I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew," Shaw said. "My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world. I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible."

Sarkisian, who initially called Shaw's actions "heroic," said today the university had received calls questioning the story.

"First and foremost, he's a good person, he's a good kid," Sarkisian said of Shaw. "Josh is adamant about what occurred. We'll continue to vet some of the other stories that have come across our desks and across our phones and see where we can go from there."

Sarkisian is starting his first season as the Trojans' head football coach did not indicate who had called.

City News Service contributed to this report.