Family Alleges USC Fraud in Varsity Blues Lawsuit Appeal

The Wilsons claim USC misled them about donations and athletic admissions, leading to federal prosecution.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:05pm

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John B. Wilson and Leslie Q. Wilson have appealed the dismissal of their fraud case against the University of Southern California (USC), alleging that USC officials misled them about a donor "preference" in athletic admissions, which resulted in the family being swept up in the federal "Varsity Blues" prosecution. The Wilsons say they made a $220,000 donation to USC in 2014 based on the university's assurances that it would help their son's walk-on application to the water polo team, but USC later claimed its policy did not allow donations to be considered in admission decisions. The Wilsons argue the case should not have been dismissed before they could obtain evidence through discovery.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about potential fraud and lack of transparency in university admissions, especially for student-athletes. The Wilsons allege USC misled them to induce a large donation, then faced federal prosecution despite their son being a qualified Division I athlete. The outcome could impact how universities handle donor-linked admissions and set precedents for similar lawsuits.

The details

According to the Wilsons' appeal, during a 2013 campus visit, USC's water polo coach and a senior athletics administrator told the family that a significant donation would help their son's application as a non-scholarship, walk-on water polo player. Based on these statements, the Wilsons say they made $220,000 in donations in 2014, and their son was admitted and joined the water polo team. However, USC later claimed its policy did not allow donations to be considered in admission decisions. The Wilsons argue this led to them being charged in the Varsity Blues prosecution, even though their son was a qualified athlete, and the donations went to official USC accounts.

  • In 2013, the Wilsons visited USC and were told a donation would help their son's walk-on application.
  • In 2014, the Wilsons made $220,000 in donations to USC based on these statements.
  • In March 2019, the Wilsons were swept up in the Varsity Blues prosecution.
  • On September 21, 2021, a USC admissions officer testified that the university's policy did not allow donations to be considered for walk-on admissions.
  • On September 20, 2024, the Wilsons filed their fraud lawsuit against USC within three years of learning about the alleged deception.

The players

John B. Wilson

A member of the Wilson family who filed the fraud lawsuit against USC.

Leslie Q. Wilson

A member of the Wilson family who filed the fraud lawsuit against USC.

University of Southern California (USC)

The university that the Wilsons allege committed fraud by misleading them about the role of donations in athletic admissions.

Rebecca Chassin

A USC admissions officer who testified that the university's policy did not allow donations to be considered for walk-on admissions.

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What they’re saying

“The Wilsons' complaint alleges that USC told the Wilsons a team donation was proper and would help in walk-on admissions.”

— Steven A. Engel, Dechert LLP (bakercityherald.com)

“USC wants to win based on an incorrect deadline without turning over the files.”

— William Charles Tanenbaum, Law Offices of William Charles Tanenbaum (bakercityherald.com)

“As the Wilsons' brief argues in detail, this case should not have been dismissed at this stage. The Wilsons want a fair chance to prove USC's role in the events that upended their lives.”

— Jay Bhimani, Dechert LLP (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District will decide whether to reverse the dismissal of the Wilsons' fraud case against USC and allow the case to proceed with discovery.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about potential fraud and lack of transparency in university admissions, especially for student-athletes. The outcome could set important precedents for how universities handle donor-linked admissions and their accountability to applicant families.