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Sexual assault alleged

Sources: USC tailback Dennis investigated


By Scott Wolf
Staff Writer


USC starting tailback Hershel Dennis is at the center of a police investigation for an alleged sexual assault that occurred early Monday morning in an off-campus apartment.
Dennis was removed from practice Tuesday morning for disciplinary reasons, according to USC coach Pete Carroll, although the Los Angeles police department released a statement Tuesday afternoon acknowledging an investigation was under way.

"LAPD's robbery homicide division rape special section is conducting an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault that may involve a member or members of the USC football team," the statement read.

"The alleged assault occurred in the early morning hours of August 16 in the city of Los Angeles."

Although the statement did not specifically mention Dennis, numerous sources confirmed the junior tailback is the focal point of the investigation.

Sources said the incident took place at a small party Sunday night, and involved a female friend of Dennis. According to multiple sources, the alleged victim did not formally accuse Dennis but remembers that he was at the party while she was being sexually assaulted.

"It's very, very early for us. I don't know what's going on with it," Carroll said. "We'll fully cooperate and help out in every way. I don't have any information at this time."

Asked whether Dennis was suspended, Carroll said, "We'll let you know more later. We keep our issues in-house."

As of Tuesday, Dennis was being punished for rules violations, including breaking curfew.

The day began normally enough, but sources said Carroll was informed of the police investigation Tuesday morning and then took Dennis out of practice before the session ended.

"It was disciplinary," Carroll said after the morning practice.

Most players were surprised by the news, and many did not hear about it until Carroll mentioned it at an afternoon team meeting.

"He's our starter. It's another blow to the team but we have to sort it out," defensive end Frostee Rucker said.


Defensive tackle Manuel Wright, who also played with Dennis at Long Beach Poly High, said: "I don't really know anything, I hadn't even heard about this."

Carroll said he was hopeful the situation would not bother the top-ranked Trojans, who open the season Aug. 28 against Virginia Tech.

"There's distractions in every direction. They continue to come forth. All situations can affect the team. It's how you deal with them. It just depends on what the situation is," Carroll said. "Mike Williams (turning pro), the No. 1 rankings, there's always stuff you have to do."

The alleged incident took place during a time when USC players were supposed to be observing a strict curfew. The team scrimmaged at the Coliseum on Sunday night and returned to campus at about 10:10 p.m.

Players returned to their apartments and bed checks were conducted at 11 p.m.

Although USC splits the tailback position between three players (Dennis, Reggie Bush and LenDale White), Dennis started all 13 games last season and rushed for 661 yards with four touchdowns. His best game was an 85-yard effort in the season-opening game at Auburn.

Dennis is known as a solid-if-not-flashy tailback, who doesn't generate the publicity or highlight-reel plays that made Bush and White so popular last season.