Restraining Order Lets Ifeanyi Play Against Notre Dame

A Los Angeles judge granted a temporary restraining order Friday forcing the NCAA to allow Southern California defensive end Israel Ifeanyi to play in today’s football game at Notre Dame.

Ifeanyi was one of three Trojans suspended by the NCAA for alleged involvement with a sports agent.

Superior Court Judge Robert O’Brien granted the temporary restraining order a day after ruling that Ifeanyi could accompany the Trojans to South Bend, Ind., for the game.

Originally, USC was informed that Ifeanyi would be penalized for three games for his alleged involvement with sports agent Robert Caron, but the penalty was extended for one game when it was learned Ifeanyi accepted money from his Nigerian tribe in Los Angeles.

USC contends that such gifts are a cultural custom. Ifeanyi reportedly received $3,700. The judge didn’t decide whether the NCAA’s claim against Ifeanyi had merit, but he did find that the player should be allowed to play in the game pending his appeal to the NCAA.