Players Get Jump on Carroll

Most of the USC players arrived here Thursday, checking in at the MGM Grand just about the same time as a cheerleading convention.

With Coach Pete Carroll in Orlando, Fla., to watch his son play for Pittsburgh in the Tangerine Bowl, the team did not schedule its first mandatory meeting until today. Practice will be held this afternoon at Sam Boyd Stadium.

On Thursday night, associate coach DeWayne Walker spoke at a meeting of roughly three-quarters of the team that had already arrived.

The NCAA prohibits athletes from betting on most sports, but any player 21 or older can otherwise gamble in the casinos. Walker and team security officials have encouraged those under 21 to sightsee, go to video arcades or relax in their hotel rooms.

They have also warned players to be on their best behavior in a city where video security cameras abound.

“We want them to enjoy what they’ve earned,” Walker said. “However, we are here for a reason. It’s kind of a fine line.”

While the Trojans convened along the Strip, the Utah players were making their way by bus, stopping for two days of practices in St. George.

The southern Utah city is warmer than Salt Lake City, where several feet of snow are on the ground and the team has been relegated to practicing indoors. Coach Ron McBride said he likes Las Vegas but wanted to make his way here slowly.

“St. George is a retirement town,” he said. “There’s nowhere to go, no distractions.”