Charissis’ Suspension Reduced

USC junior center Kostas Charissis had his season-opening 15-game suspension reduced to three games Thursday.

It came after the NCAA Division I Board of Directors sustained a motion to lessen the punishment for foreign players who had played with professionals on club teams abroad.

The NCAA Management Council advised last week that affected players should be suspended from a maximum of 20% of the number of professional contests played or eight games, whichever was fewer.

Charissis, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound native of Greece, played with the Papagou-Athens and Psihico club teams before enrolling at USC.

“It’s definitely a relief,” said Charissis, who sprained his right ankle in Thursday’s practice and may miss Sunday’s exhibition. “I’ve been thinking about it for two months since it happened. I believe it’s more fair than the 15 games.”

Should USC win at least two games in the preseason NIT, Charissis would join the Trojans in New York for the tournament’s final round Nov. 23.

The latest Charissis would suit up would be Dec. 4 against Rhode Island.

“I’m really happy to hear it,” Trojan Coach Henry Bibby said. “I think it’s justified and fair. To get him back this much earlier will mean he will be ready for the Pac-10 season, which is a huge plus.”

USC’s opener, Nov. 13 against Wyoming at the Sports Arena, has been moved up 30 minutes to 6 p.m. to accommodate ESPN.