Police Investigation Is Still Continuing

Several USC football players have been contacted through attorneys, but none have been interviewed regarding an ongoing sexual assault investigation that involves at least one member of the the team, law enforcement sources said Wednesday.

According to those sources, junior running back Hershel Dennis is the focus of the investigation that began after an alleged incident occurred Aug. 16 in a housing complex where players stayed during training camp. It is not clear what role Dennis played in the alleged incident.

Coach Pete Carroll said this week that Dennis remains suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.

Dennis’ attorney confirmed last week that he had been contacted by a Los Angeles Police Dept. detective, but he has declined further comment. Dennis, who is attending fall semester classes, declined to comment last week.

A spokesman for the LAPD said Wednesday that the investigation is ongoing.

After practice on Wednesday, Carroll said he had no update on the investigation. He also said he was not frustrated that it continues to hang over the Trojan program.

“I’m over that part of it,” he said. “They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do to get through the information and I’m sure they’re doing a really thorough job, so there’s nothing I can do about it.

“Am I frustrated by it? No. It’s very quiet.... I would think it’s got to be getting closer to the end than it has been, and they should be getting close to figuring it out, and what’s next.”

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Sophomore quarterback John David Booty did not throw again because of a sore right elbow that has kept him inactive for two weeks.

Carroll said Booty would rest through the weekend and possibly practice next week. The injury could affect USC’s decision about whether to have Booty as a redshirt this season.

“It may be a foregone conclusion because he can’t get back,” Carroll said.

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Ryan Watson, a defensive lineman from Louisiana who was a redshirt last season, has transferred to Southern Mississippi, school officials said.

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Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.