Usc Declares 3 Football Starters Ineligible, Plans To Appeal

Three USC football starters, who allegedly took thousands from a sports agent, were declared ineligible by the university Monday. The school will appeal to the NCAA in an effort to restore their eligibility.

USC officials took the action after an NCAA and Pacific-10 Conference investigation into the affairs of Shawn Walters, the leading rusher the last two seasons; defensive end Israel Ifeanyi; and linebacker Errick Herrin.

They were shown to be linked to Robert Troy Caron, an agent who allegedly paid college athletes to secure them as clients when they turned professional. Caron owns Pro Manage of Oxnard, Calif.

The investigation also extended to UCLA, Arizona, Cal and Oregon State. At UCLA, senior linebacker Donnie Edwards will meet Wednesday with Pac-10 officials regarding allegations he accepted $150 in food from Caron. Officials at the other schools cleared their athletes.