USC Recruit Is to Be Arraigned on Sexual Assault Charge Today

A USC football recruit is to be arraigned today on a sexual assault charge, police in La Porte, Tex., said.

Antione Simpson, who signed in January to play for USC, is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in her home Sunday night.

Simpson, 17, free on $5,000 bond, was to have surrendered Thursday in La Porte, but had not done so by 7 p.m., police said. Also charged in the case was a friend of Simpson, Phillip Gay, 19.

According to police, the girl said Simpson and Gay forced their way into her home Sunday night at 11:30 during a party. She said they chased her into a bedroom, where they restrained her and assaulted her.

A 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive end, Simpson was named the Greater Houston prep defensive player of the year by the Touchdown Club of Houston after last season. He was widely recruited and had considered Colorado, Texas, Baylor and Miami before choosing USC.

USC Coach John Robinson, who is on vacation, could not be reached for comment Thursday.