Police recommend assault charges against USC players

Spokane Police are recommending two counts of second-degree assault for each of the two University of Southern California players involved in a downtown Spokane brawl last month. Spokeswoman Monique Cotton said the investigation is concluded and has been submitted to the prosecutor’s office. “We’ve recommended charges,” Cotton said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean the prosecutor has to charge them.” Because the players have not been charged yet, Cotton said police are not releasing their names. However, on March 11, USC announced the suspension of 7-foot-1, 260-pound James Blasczyk and 7-foot, 255-pound Dewayne Dedmon from all team activities because of a violation of team rules. A series of fights in the downtown area sent four people to the hospital the morning of March 10. The USC Trojans were staying in Spokane following a 76-51 loss to Washington State University in Pullman on March 9.