Father Denies Marinovich Has Hired Agent : Football: A report had said the USC quarterback definitely would turn pro. But his dad says no decision has been made.

USC quarterback Todd Marinovich’s father today denied a report that his son has hired an agent and will definitely announce this week he will enter the NFL draft.

Marv Marinovich said his son had neither hired an agent nor reached a decision about the draft.

“He’s going to make a decision in the next couple of days,” the elder Marinovich said.

The deadline for underclassmen to enter the NFL draft is Friday. Marinovich technically would become the first sophomore ever to enter the draft pool.

Quoting an unidentified source, the Riverside Press Enterprise reported in today’s editions that Marinovich hired agent Tom Condon and the quarterback’s contract negotiations will be handled by Mike Barnett.

Before selecting Condon, Marinovich met with agents Leonard Armato and Leigh Steinberg, the newspaper reported.

Marinovich, 21, was suspended from the team after failing to attend a mandatory team meeting on Jan. 11, less than two weeks after the Trojans lost to Michigan State 17-16 in the John Hancock Bowl.

Marinovich met with USC Coach Larry Smith a week later, but no announcement was made afterward.

Marinovich has not spoken to reporters since he was arrested in Newport Beach on Jan. 20 and charged with possession of less than a half-gram of cocaine.

He is to be arraigned in Orange County Harbor Judicial District Municipal Court on Feb. 11.

USC sports information director Tim Tessalone said today that the school had not heard from Marinovich regarding his plans.

Should Marinovich decide to turn pro, scouts most likely will get a chance to take a close look at him during an NFL scouting combine camp in Indianapolis Feb. 5-6.