USC to sit Melton in bribe case

USC will sit De’Anthony Melton for the rest of the season because of the sophomore’s link to the college basketball bribery case, his lawyer told the Los Angeles Times on Thursday.

The school has held Melton out of all 18 games as a precaution while it investigates his ties to the scandal that rocked the sport and resulted in the indictment of Trojans associate head coach Tony Bland.

Federal prosecutors in New York alleged that David Elliott, a friend of Melton’s family, received a $5,000 bribe to direct the player to use would-be agent Christian Dawkins and financial adviser Munish Sood when he turns pro. Elliott’s attorney denied that his client accepted any money or otherwise violated NCAA rules.

Attorney Vicki I. Podberesky said USC will keep Melton on scholarship and he will be allowed to practice, but he can’t travel with the team.

“They’re thinking that keeping him out for the season should be more than enough to allow him to regain eligibility for the coming season,” she said. North Carolina State guard Markell Johnson was cleared to rejoin the team after a felony assault charge in his home state of Ohio was dismissed.

Johnson is eligible to return to the team under the school’s student-athlete code of conduct. Coach Kevin Keatts has final say as to when Johnson can practice or play in a game.

Johnson has started all 10 games he has played, averaging 8.7 points and 6.6 assists.

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