Wounded Trojan Is Staying : USC: McGee says being shot by stray bullet is a ‘freak incident’ and that he will not transfer.

Jon McGee, a freshman linebacker who was struck by gunfire Monday on the practice field at USC, said Wednesday he does not plan to transfer.

“I think this was just a freak incident that happened,” said McGee, reading from a statement during a news conference at USC.

McGee, his left arm in a sling, said he would spend his 19th birthday today and the rest of the weekend at home with his family in Tucson before returning to campus next week.

He said that he never considered leaving USC while spending two nights at California Medical Center after being hit by a stray bullet at about 3:30 p.m. Monday while waiting for practice to start.

“I knew this was where I wanted to be,” McGee said.

Authorities said that McGee, one of the Trojans’ most highly regarded recruits last winter, was not the intended target, but was hit by gang-related gunfire about a quarter-mile away.

A bullet passed completely through his arm above his left elbow but did not hit any bones or blood vessels.

McGee, a redshirt this season, is expected to return to practice in three to four weeks.

His father, Mike, no relation to USC Athletic Director Mike McGee, said that he was shocked to hear that his son had been shot.

“But once I settled down and was able to talk to Jon and get my faculties together, I agreed with Jon that he should stay here,” he said. “I have no qualms about it at this point.

“Jon always felt very strongly that he wanted to stay. He has a strong commitment to USC.”