SOURCES: DENNIS NOT YET QUERIED.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

USC starting running back Hershel Dennis remained the focus of an alleged sexual assault investigation Wednesday, although he had not yet been questioned by police, sources said.

The alleged victim, a female friend of Dennis', told police Dennis was at the party but has not formally accused him of sexually assaulting her.

She also named two other players present at the apartment where the incident occurred but did not accuse them of wrongdoing, according to sources close to the investigation.

A Los Angeles police department spokesperson said Wednesday no charges have been filed and repeated a previous statement that police are ``conducting an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault that may involve a member or members of the USC football team.''

Dennis could not be reached for comment.

He remained on suspension from the football team Wednesday for disciplinary reasons, including breaking curfew the night of the incident. Coach Pete Carroll said he did not know how long it would last.

``It's indefinite,'' Carroll said. ``That's a word that you would use in this case. I haven't really labeled it.''

But sources said there's also a possibility Dennis' status could be reviewed by the end of the week and he possibly could be reinstated next week.

More details emerged Wednesday regarding the incident, which took place early Monday morning.

Sources said a small party involving fewer than 20 people - mostly players and friends - took place at the Cardinal Gardens apartment complex across the street from USC on Sunday night. The alleged victim arrived after 11 p.m., when players were supposed to be in bed.

Following the report of an alleged assault, the apartment was sealed off by police Monday morning, although everything appeared normal Wednesday, as students officially moved into the complex for the fall semester.

USC fullback Lee Webb, who is Dennis' best friend, lived with the running back back at the apartment during training camp. Webb said he has not spoken to Dennis since the suspension.

``He cut his phone off. I haven't talked to him,'' Webb said. ``I think it's a big misunderstanding that will be cleared up shortly.''

Carroll said Wednesday he had not heard anything new from the police.

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Carroll abruptly changed the time of practice from 3 p.m. to 10:15 a.m. It immediately produced speculation he made the switch to limit media and fan exposure to the team during practice.

But Carroll said he made the switch because he wanted to recreate pregame activities and hold a short walkthrough practice in the afternoon before taking the team to a downtown Los Angeles hotel Wednesday night.

The team will hold a mock game tonight at the Coliseum to simulate the evening start of next week's game with Virginia Tech.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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