USC’s Todd Marinovich Will Enter NFL Draft

USC quarterback Todd Marinovich ended weeks of speculation today when he informed Trojans Coach Larry Smith that he will enter the NFL draft.

“I wish Todd well in his football future,” Smith said in a statement. “He was an outstanding player at USC and he provided Trojan fans with many memorable moments on the field. I’m looking forward to watching him play in the coming years. It’s our fondest hope that at some point, he’ll return to USC to complete his degree.”

A source close to Marinovich, who requested anonymity, said the quarterback will speak with reporters about his decision later in the day.

Today is the deadline for underclassmen to declare their intention. The decision by Marinovich capped a month in which he was suspended indefinitely from the USC football program and arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession. He later was charged with a misdemeanor.

Marinovich was in his third year at USC. After sitting out his first season, he was outstanding as a redshirt freshman in 1989. However, as a sophomore this last season, his play was erratic and he had problems off the field.

He is not expected to be drafted until the third or fourth round of next spring’s draft, at best.

Marinovich registered a week late for the spring semester, which began Jan. 9, but as of Thursday had not attended any classes, USC spokesman Tim Tessalone said.

He was suspended for a week for cutting classes in October. After Smith benched him in the fourth quarter of the Hancock Bowl, the coach and player were seen yelling at each other on the sideline.

The quarterback has hired agent Tom Condon of the International Management Group. His contract negotiations will be handled by Condon and by Mike Barnett, the agent for Wayne Gretzky.

Scouts most likely will get a chance to take a close look at Marinovich during an NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 5-6.

Marinovich played in 12 of USC’s 13 games last season, starting 11. He completed 196 of 322 passes for 2,423 yards and 13 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

Marv Marinovich, a former USC player, programmed his son almost from birth to become a star quarterback.