USC athletics apologized Wednesday to five universities for accusing them of illegally contacting running back Dillon Baxter without permission.

Coach Lane Kiffin sent apology letters to Florida, Alabama, Washington, Oregon and Fresno State. All but Florida immediately confirmed that they received the letters.

Athletic Director Mike Garrett said in a letter dated July 1 to Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley that running back Dillon Baxter confirmed to Garrett that he did not receive a call from those institutions.

“I apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment this matter has caused to you and your institution,” Garrett said in the letter.

USC filed a complaint with the Pac-10 in June about several schools contacting Baxter without permission after the Trojans were hit with NCAA sanctions, according to ESPN.com.

The Trojans received a two-year postseason ban, a loss of scholarships and was forced to vacate victories from the 2004 and 2005 seasons for NCAA violations involving former star tailback Reggie Bush.

USC upperclassmen were told they could transfer without the usual NCAA restrictions after the school was hit with the sanctions, but only juniors and seniors can be contacted by other schools.