USC FOOTBALL: MAUALUGA SENTENCED.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF Staff Writer

USC linebacker Rey Maualuga was formally sentenced for misdemeanor assault while Trojans coach Pete Carroll lectured his team about avoiding future problems Monday for the beleaguered program.

Maualuga received 100 hours of community service, 24 hours of anger management and must attend 26 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after hitting a fellow USC athlete during an off-campus party last Halloween.

He also must formally apologize to the athlete, provide restitution and remain in good academic standing at USC.

``If he completes the terms and conditions and there are new charges within one year, we will dismiss the charges,'' said Frank Mateljan, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles City Attorney's office.

According to sources, Maualuga escaped another controversy earlier this semester when police spoke to him on the street across from an off-campus bar for urinating in public. Police decided not to make an arrest.

Maualuga's alcoholics anonymous meetings follow last week's revelation that quarterback Mark Sanchez used an illegal ID to enter an off-campus bar the night before he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a female USC student.

Carroll spoke about drinking to the Trojans but said it's always been a standard topic in team meetings.

Monday's meeting was required by USC athletic director Mike Garrett, who put out a memo asking coaches of all sports to meet with athletes regarding behavioral issues.

``It was time, anyways,'' Carroll said. ``We have to take care of one another. The message hasn't changed. There's no doubt they were more tuned in.''

Sources said Carroll singled out Maualuga to keep his composure and also told the Trojans not to let teammates drive if they are drunk. But maybe in a rallying cry in lieu of recent events, Carroll also cautioned players to behave because there are people out to get the program.

Carroll also said the Trojans must now provide copies of rental and leasing agreements stemming from the controversy surrounding former quarterback Matt Leinart and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett's living situation at an upscale downtown apartment. Leinart's father, Bob, paid approximately $2,800 while Matt Leinart and Jarrett each paid $650 per month.

USC's compliance office is reviewing the arrangement to determine if Jarrett received an extra benefit. Leinart's dad said Jarrett might have to pay $10,000 if its determine rules were violated. The pair lived at the Medici apartment complex in Los Angeles