Justice’s Trial Set for June 14

A trial for USC offensive lineman Winston Justice is scheduled to begin next month.

Justice, 19, has pleaded not guilty to three misdemeanor counts of exhibition of a replica firearm. He was arrested March 3 in connection with an incident that occurred near campus on Feb. 24.

If convicted, the penalty for each count is 30 to 180 days in jail.

Friday, during a pretrial hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court, judge Robert J. Sandoval set a trial date of June 14.

Before the hearing began, Larry Clough, Justice’s attorney, and prosecutor Melanie Chavira of the Los Angeles city attorney’s office conferred but were unable to reach a plea agreement.

Afterward, Clough said he’d turned down a plea offer that included a sentence of 90 days in jail.

“They still want their pound of flesh,” Clough said.

Justice, who started at right tackle his first two seasons, was suspended by USC after his arrest and is not eligible for the 2004 season.

He could return to USC for the 2005 season, transfer to another school or make himself available for the 2005 NFL draft.

Justice declined to comment about his legal situation or football future.

-- Gary Klein