Bush Pays the Penalty for Being a Bit Tardy

Celebrity has its privileges, but arriving late to practice apparently is not one of them.

USC running back Reggie Bush, a 2004 Heisman Trophy finalist who appears on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s college football preview issue, spent Tuesday morning’s workout running and performing a series of punitive calisthenics and drills because he was two minutes late.

“We make our statements whenever the opportunity arises,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

Several players who committed minor time-related infractions have been put through similar treatment during training camp, though none with Bush’s profile.

In December 2003, former All-American receiver Mike Williams spent the majority of a practice rolling on wet grass in the end zone because he was late returning from an awards show in Florida.

After Tuesday’s morning workout, Bush said that the drills he performed were to stretch a tight groin. He participated in all drills with the team during the afternoon practice.

Senior linebacker Collin Ashton said equal treatment, and punishment, is required to build a championship team.

“No one has special privileges, it doesn’t matter who you are,” he said.

Bush handled the punishment without complaint, according to Carroll.

“It gives a great example for the younger guys to understand how you deal with things like that,” Carroll said. “It’s valuable in a lot of ways. Not that I want Reggie to be late. He’s the last guy to miss something. But it happens sometimes.”

*

Less than 24 hours after kicker Mario Danelo was awarded a scholarship, Carroll said the third-year sophomore from San Pedro would handle extra-points and field goals. Freshman Troy Van Blarcom will handle kickoffs.

“He’s hung in here and lasted,” Carroll said of Danelo, who has never kicked in a college game. “Now he’s going to be the guy that’s going to score some points for us -- hopefully a bunch.”

Danelo, the son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo, was one of four players awarded a scholarship during a team meeting on Monday night. Running back Andre Woodert, a fifth-year senior, and running back Mike Brittingham and offensive lineman John Lanza -- both fourth-year juniors -- were the others.

“It’s something I’ve been working for since I’ve been here, so it’s good that a lot of hard work paid off,” Danelo said. “But nothing is finished yet. I have to take this and keep going with it and just continue to kick well out here.”

*

USC’s strong-side linebacker position continues to be weakened by injuries. Starter Dallas Sartz said his hip pointer was feeling better but he could not predict when he would return to contact drills. Freshman Brian Cushing did not practice because of an aggravated Achilles’ tendon. Thomas Williams and walk-on Clay Matthews worked in their places.... Carroll said he did not expect defensive lineman Walker Lee Ashley to play at USC. The NCAA Clearinghouse has not certified Ashley and school begins Monday. “I don’t think he’s going to make it,” Carroll said. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Ashley, from Eden Prairie, Minn., had indicated he would retake a college admissions test and attend college closer to his home.... Freshman quarterback Mark Sanchez (groin) did not practice in either workout and senior cornerback Justin Wyatt (neck spasms) sat out the afternoon practice.