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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Danelo autopsy performed

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

An autopsy was performed on Southern California kicker Mario Danelo on Monday, and the coroner’s office said it could be six to eight weeks before the cause of death is determined.

The medical examiner is awaiting toxicology results that would detect the presence of any alcohol or drugs in the system of the 21-year-old player, the son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo. The father played at Gonzaga Prep and Washington State.

Foul play has been ruled out. Danelo’s body was found Saturday about 120 feet down a rocky cliff in San Pedro, not far from the family home, police said.

Several Southern California players who were close to Mario Danelo are convinced the Trojans kicker’s death was an accident, not suicide.

“I know Mario, he was someone who always cherished life,” offensive lineman Matt Spanos said after a team meeting.

Draft ready

Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson announced he will skip his senior year and enter the NFL draft. He’s projected a high pick.

•Miami Hurricanes outside linebacker Jon Beason has decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

•Defensive tackle Alan Branch is skipping his senior season at Michigan to enter the NFL draft.

•Quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU will announce Wednesday if he will enter the NFL draft.

Filling Petrino void

Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich expects to move quickly to replace coach Bobby Petrino, who left the program Sunday to become coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Jurich said the list of potential candidates was “very short” but he did not identify any specific coaches.

San Diego hires new coach

Ron Caragher was hired as the University of San Diego’s football coach, three weeks after Jim Harbaugh left to take the Stanford job.

USC receives transfer

Wide receiver Damian Williams has transferred to Southern California after making 19 catches for 235 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman at Arkansas.

Classic canceled

The Las Vegas All-American Classic, set for next week, was canceled because of problems with financing and sponsorship.

The game, showcasing East vs. West all-stars, was set for Jan. 15.