DENNIS REINSTATED AS INQUIRY ENDS SOURCES: NO SEXUAL-ASSAULT CHARGES WILL BE FILED.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

USC tailback Hershel Dennis returned to practice Monday after a suspension of almost four weeks, during which he was the focus of an investigation of an alleged sexual assault.

Dennis participated in a light practice and said USC coach Pete Carroll reinstated him to the team Friday, however, he has lost his starting job.

According to sources, police finished their investigation and will not press charges but are waiting for the district attorney's office to formally close the case.

``It feels great. I haven't been out here in a while,'' Dennis said. ``I was getting bored from 2-4 every afternoon. I never sat at home and watched a game on TV live before.''

Officially, Carroll said Dennis was suspended for breaking curfew by holding a party in an off-campus apartment the night of the alleged incident, which involved a former girlfriend of Dennis. USC players were supposed to be in bed by 11 p.m.

Carroll said the police investigation had no bearing on his decision, although the timing coincided with the case winding down.

``This has always been a situation in violation of team rules. The rest of this stuff is in another area,'' Carroll said. ``I've never been told they were finished or anything. We'll welcome him back now.''

Instead, Carroll claimed, the decision was based on Dennis' progress in school.

``We watched what happened in school, to make sure Hershel took care of classes. He did really well,'' Carroll said.

Although Dennis apparently escaped any action from the police, the suspension cost him his job as USC's starting tailback. USC coaches were more concerned Monday with figuring out a way to get Dennis back into the rotation, with LenDale White and Reggie Bush off to impressive starts.

White has gained 201 yards, scored three touchdowns and averaged 6.9 yards per carry, and Bush is USC's second-leading receiver and has averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

``We've made some great strides in the last month,'' Carroll said. ``Honestly, I think it will (be difficult for him). We like the rhythm we're in. He's going with us (to Brigham Young). But we're prepared to go without him.''

Dennis currently is the Trojans' No. 3 back, but Carroll didn't want to totally dismiss his return.

``He could add to it. We'll let the competition work its way out,'' he said.

The other toll the situation took on Dennis is the damage to his reputation. TV stations sent more reporters to USC practice than ever before to cover the initial news of the sexual-assault investigation and there was a large media contingent at practice Monday.

``It's a large consequence,'' Carroll said. ``In this case, it was a big mistake and he paid dearly ... with all the publicity.''

Dennis was contrite while discussing his suspension although he didn't specifically address the police investigation.

``I learned I need to follow rules. When you don't follow rules, there are consequences,'' he said. ``I need to be a lot more careful. I let a lot of people down not playing the last two games. I let the coaching staff down.''

During his month off, Dennis kept working out in the USC weight room, hung out with teammates and even attended a San Diego Chargers practice at Home Depot Center in Carson.

``Not being able to play was frustrating,'' he said. ``I built up a lot of fire. I'm just trying to make the most of it. I can focus on football now.''

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

DENNIS