NCAA LOOKING AT USC'S JUSTICE.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

The NCAA has interviewed USC offensive tackle Winston Justice about the nature of his relationship with a sports agent.

Justice, currently serving a two-semester ban from USC for flashing a pellet gun at another student, recently was contacted by the NCAA after agent Jerome Stanley attended his disciplinary hearing with the university's student-affairs office.

Under NCAA rules, it is not illegal for an agent to speak to an athlete, unless verbal or written agreements are made or benefits are accepted from the agent.

An NCAA official would not comment directly about their interest in Justice's situation.

``We're always concerned when a student-athlete interacts with a sports agent,'' said Bill Saum, the NCAA's director of agent, gambling and amateurism activities. ``Our rules do not say you can't talk to a sports agent. We understand sports agents interact with our athletes all the time and do it in a variety of ways.''

Justice could not be reached for comment Wednesday but previously said Stanley showed up at the hearing as a ``friend of the family.'' Among Stanley's clients are former USC receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Cleveland Browns receiver Dennis Northcutt.

Justice, who is still contemplating turning pro instead of returning to USC, has not made any agreements with an agent, sources said.

USC coach Pete Carroll said he had not spoken to the NCAA, but sources said the agency contacted the football office regarding Justice. Carroll also confirmed publicly for the first time that he knew Justice was not eligible to return to USC next season.

``There's nothing I really have to say about it,'' Carroll said.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com