Emanuel Is Suspended for a Year by USC

USC tailback Aaron Emanuel, who is scheduled to be arraigned on two misdemeanor battery counts later this month, has been suspended from school for a year, according to sources close to the case.

Emanuel, 20, is accused of striking two USC female students in separate incidents.

On the recommendation of a three-person administrative review panel, Emanuel was ordered by the USC Office of Student Affairs to complete 100 hours of community service with victims of violence and to undergo psychiatric treatment once a month while serving his suspension.

Football Coach Larry Smith, citing federal privacy laws, declined to comment on the case, other than to say that Emanuel would be eligible to return to the team for the 1988 season.

Emanuel could not be reached for comment.

The student conduct review stemmed from an incident at an off-campus party May 4 in which Emanuel allegedly punched Sharon Hatfield, a member of the USC women’s track team. Hatfield alleged that Emanuel hit her in the face, knocking her unconscious.

The review panel, which included a faculty member, a staff member and a student, heard statements from Emanuel, Hatfield and several witnesses before recommending sanctions to Jim Dennis, vice president in charge of student affairs.

Emanuel is scheduled to be arraigned June 17 in the incident involving Hatfield, and also on another battery count stemming from an incident last Dec. 18 in which another USC woman student alleges that Emanuel struck her.

One of the counts carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. The other carries a maximum penalty of six months in county jail, a $2,000 fine or both.

Emanuel started four games as a sophomore last season and rushed for 495 yards. After being heavily recruited at Quartz Hill High School, he gained 472 yards as a freshman in 1985. He was hampered by injuries both seasons.