Conference Modifies Exit Rule

The Pacific 10 Conference, reacting to an incident between USC and Washington State in the Coliseum tunnel last week, announced Tuesday that it had modified its rule regarding the order in which teams must exit the field at halftime.

The rule required the team with the bench closest to the tunnel to exit first. The modified policy allows teams to change the order by mutual consent.

Like the Coliseum, Washington’s Husky Stadium and Washington State’s Martin Stadium feature tunnels or narrow walkways that teams must share on their way to and from the field.

Last Saturday, Washington State entered the tunnel first. USC, which sprints to its locker room, followed and a logjam apparently occurred near the entrance to the visitors’ locker room. Washington State Coach Bill Doba was bumped as players jostled.

USC contacted the Pac-10 on Monday and requested a waiver, which would allow the Trojans to enter the tunnel first. The conference responded with the modification.

Trojan fullback Brandon Hancock said the new policy might eliminate “minor ruckuses and confrontations.

“But the best solution,” Hancock said, “is to not feel sorry for yourself if you’re getting beat and run to the locker room.”

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Tight end Dominique Byrd (hip injury) did not practice and remains day to day. Fred Davis would probably start if Byrd can’t play on Saturday against Stanford, Coach Pete Carroll said.... Linebacker Keith Rivers (hamstring) did not practice again, so Collin Ashton remained on track to start at weakside linebacker.... Brian Cushing, who did not practice Monday because of headaches that resulted from a hard hit against Washington State, returned to practice.... Former All-American receiver Keyshawn Johnson attended practice.