USC’s Actions Questioned by Emanuel’s Attorney

Aaron Emanuel’s attorney would not speculate Tuesday as to whether his client intends to transfer from USC to another school. However, he had some questions as to how USC will treat the running back once his suspension has ended.

Emanuel, who has pleaded not guilty on two misdemeanor battery counts, has been suspended from school for a year.

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 and to undergo psychiatric treatment once a month while serving his suspension.

It has been learned, though, that the suspension may be rescinded for the spring semester, but Emanuel would still not be able to play for USC in the fall.

Lawrence Elkins, who represents Emanuel, has said that he regards the findings of the review board “curiously shallow.”

“Very frankly, I would question USC’s sincerity in dealing with Emanuel after the suspension under the circumstances in which he was suspended,” Elkins said. “If I were his adviser on his academic-athletic career, I would have some questions as to how he would be treated at USC. But that isn’t my role in this matter.”

Still, the question remains as to whether Emanuel should transfer after the court case.

“If, in fact, he hasn’t been contacted by other schools--and I don’t know whether he has--perhaps they’re waiting the outcome of the proceedings here,” Elkins said.

Emanuel is accused of punching USC heptathlon competitor Sharon Hatfield and knocking her unconscious at an off-campus party May 3. He is also accused of pushing a beer bottle into the face of another USC student, Tammy Baird, in a separate incident Dec. 18.

Elkins is trying to separate the two cases. He was in Pasadena Municipal Court Tuesday and said a motion in that regard will be filed next Tuesday.

He added that motion will be argued July 16 with July 22 as a tentative trial date.

“Standing alone, neither count holds any water whatsoever,” Elkins said. “By tying the two cases together, that in effect gives the prosecution an additional chip that says we have a ‘track record’ of alleged violent behavior.

“Therefore, it increases the chances of conviction because of his guilt by association, one case with the other. I think that is terribly prejudicial.”

Elkins has maintained that Emanuel was physically provoked by Hatfield, claiming that Hatfield struck his client and threw beer in his face.

Hatfield, in her complaint, said that she threw beer on Emanuel after he persisted in pinching her on the buttocks. Sources close to Hatfield say that she denies striking Emanuel.

As for the alleged pinch, Elkins said: “Aaron touched her on the upper thigh. It was not a pinch, a grasping of the flesh.”