Byrd suffers broken jaw

L.A. Daily News - USC

By Scott Wolf, Staff Writer

USC tight end Dominique Byrd fractured his jaw during an alleged altercation with receiver Steve Smith last week, although few know about the incident because Byrd is academically ineligible for spring practice.

Byrd's jaw was wired shut following the altercation, which took place when the pair argued while playing a video game, according to sources.

"I don't have any comment on that," Smith said following Thursday's practice.

USC coach Pete Carroll also declined comment, although sources said he spoke to Smith about the incident. Smith was not punished and has not missed any practices.

Byrd could not be reached for comment, although sources said he has lost 10 pounds since his jaw was wired shut. Byrd is not practicing because he accumulated too many negative academic points to participate.

Pinkard OK: Safety Josh Pinkard underwent an MRI on his sore foot and results were negative. Pinkard did not practice Thursday but said he thinks he bruised only his foot and would try to return today.

With Pinkard out, true freshman Kevin Ellison, who graduated early from Redondo High of Redondo Beach, worked with the first-team defense.

"Sometimes I'm walking on campus, and I say to myself, 'I can't believe how fast this happened,"' Ellison said.

Recruit update: Kicker Troy Van Blarcom of Orange Lutheran High was officially accepted into school. Van Blarcom is expected to handle kickoffs next season.

Watching tapes: Carroll said he pulled a highlight tape from last season involving plays by former defensive tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson and compared it to spring-practice tapes of current tackles LaJuan Ramsey, Fili Moala and Sedrick Ellis.

"I saw a few things happening with what Sedrick does compared to Mike," Carroll said. "I'm pretty hopeful."

Ellis did not practice Thursday so he could concentrate on his academics.