Marinovich Adviser: Player Can Rejoin Team in Fall

Steve Clarkson, a longtime friend and adviser to Todd Marinovich, said Friday night that Marinovich was told by USC Coach Larry Smith that he would be welcome to rejoin the Trojans in the fall, but would be suspended through spring practice.

Marinovich was “upbeat” and “excited” about the meeting, Clarkson said, but hadn’t decided whether he would stay at USC.

Suspended indefinitely by Smith last week after missing a Jan. 11 team meeting and failing to register for the spring semester, Marinovich told reporters Friday that he would stay in touch over the next two weeks with Tim Tessalone, USC’s sports information director, “and he’ll keep you guys informed.” Smith had no comment.

Marinovich has met with agents Tom Condon, Leigh Steinberg and Leonard Armato. The quarterback met separately with Steinberg and Armato in Anaheim on Jan. 11, missing the team meeting that caused his suspension.

Marinovich has until Feb. 1 to petition the NFL for draft eligibility, but Clarkson called the deadline meaningless because Marinovich could enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. A sophomore, Marinovich also is considering transferring, Clarkson has said.

“He’s approaching this in a very mature manner,” Armato said. “What he ended up doing was put together a little team of advisers. They selected three groups to come in and give presentations as to the pros and cons of staying in school so he could make a well-reasoned and balanced decision.”