Player under investigation for incident after game
USC player who was captured on video knocking over a Washington State fan after USC’s game in Pullman on Friday is being investigated by the Washington State University Police Department.
A video showed the player, who was running to exit the field, knocking over a fan who had rushed the field after Washington State’s win. That video was blurry and the player’s identity could not be determined.
A second video showed the player extending his arms into the fan. In that video the player wore No. 93. USC’s roster listed No. 93 as Liam Jimmons.
“We’ve reached out to see if the athlete wants to talk to us,” said Steve Hansen, the police department’s assistant chief.
Hansen said the police department has reached out to USC’s Department of Public Safety for cooperation. Hansen said his police department will write a report to send to prosecutors, who would then decide how and if to proceed.
“We’re aware of the situation,” coach Clay Helton said Tuesday during a conference call with Pac-12 Conference reporters. “Internal discipline has been taken and that discipline will remain in-house.”
The Pac-12 fined Washington State $25,000 for fans rushing the field at Martin Stadium, the standard fine for a first offense. The policy is designed to prevent incidents when fans and players could mix. Several USC players had to navigate a crush of fans to make it to the locker room.
“It was an electric game and a very exciting atmosphere, and the safety of both fans and players always needs to be taken into account,” Helton said. “It’s a very hard situation in that type of environment, that exciting environment, it’s something that I know Washington State does their best job to try to create a safe environment. It’s hard. When you have that many fans that excited, they found their way down on the field and makes for a chaotic scene.”
More injuries
USC’s right guard, Viane Talamaivao, had an MRI exam on an injured chest muscle and could be out for a significant time.
Helton said Talamaivao most likely will sit out Saturday against Oregon State.
“He’s meeting with the doctors, they’ll view the MRI to make a decision where we go to from there,” Helton said. “I’ll give you further information after the family visits with the doctors.”
Running back Stephen Carr, who left the game against Washington State because of a foot injury, is also doubtful, Helton said.
Right tackle Chuma Edoga (sprained ankle) did not practice, but left tackle Toa Lobendahn returned after recovering from a skin infection that put him in a hospital for four days.
Quick hits
Defensive end Rasheem Green (ankle and shoulder injuries), defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu (back injury) and safety Jamel Cook (bronchitis) did not practice. … Linebacker Jordan Iosefa and receiver Jalen Greene are in concussion protocol and did not practice . ... Keyshawn Young ,a receiver and cornerback who has sat out because of a leg injury, tweeted that he will be a redshirt this season.