Leinart cited for using his own coach

Scott Wolf
Press-Telegram

The Pacific-10 Conference determined USC quarterback Matt Leinart broke NCAA rules this season when he worked out with his long-time private coach.

Leinart went through at least one workout with his personal coach, Steve Clarkson, who runs the Air 7 football academy. The Daily News reported on Oct. 18 that Leinart worked out with Clarkson on Howard Jones Field several hours before USC practiced.

According to a memo issued by the Pac-10 and received by USC, "an outside consultant can not work with a (student-athlete) on the institution's facilities unless the individual is counted against the applicable coaching limits."

As a result of the incident, Leinart, USC coach Pete Carroll and staff members were required to undergo a rules review session.

"(The Pac-10) questioned it, it's his guy he's had for 10 years," Carroll said. "It's not a big deal."

Leinart referred to Clarkson as part of his "management team" in a recent statement announcing that Creative Artists Agency would represent Leinart and Air 7. The NCAA also reprimanded Leinart last month for doing a promotional ad for ESPN and prevented him from speaking to the media for several weeks as punishment.

Cushing, Coleman out: Neither linebacker Brian Cushing nor tailback Michael Coleman will be available for spring practice. Cushing underwent shoulder surgery last week while Coleman underwent a follow-up hip operation that was considered more serious than his original surgery last spring.

Spring start: USC opens spring practice on Tuesday, March 21.

Big weekend: Offensive lineman Stephen Schilling from Bellevue, Wash., and Taft of Woodland Hills wide receiver Jamere Holland are among the recruits are visiting USC this weekend.