Williams' waiting game continues.

Byline: From Register-Guard and news service reports

LOS ANGELES - Mike Williams' football future once depended on the decisions of federal court judges and Supreme Court justices.

Now the star receiver from USC's national championship team waits for a handful of administrators at the NCAA's Indianapolis headquarters to decide whether he can return to college football despite turning professional last February, when it appeared courts would force the NFL to accept younger players.

Williams' six-month odyssey from college football stardom to professional riches and the brink of the NFL - and now perhaps back again - is a complex tangle that includes debate over such issues as antitrust law, the nature of amateurism, the role of academics and the NCAA's evolution into a more forgiving institution.

Whether Williams ultimately will be allowed to play for USC this season - or whether he'll be left stranded, a football player rejected by the only two leagues he wants to play in - hinges on two separate NCAA decisions.

The NCAA told USC it will rule on the first issue, the reinstatement of Williams' amateur status, this week. An answer on his academic eligibility might be delayed, although if his reinstatement bid is denied or he is reinstated but suspended for a number of games, it becomes less urgent to have an answer before USC's season opener Saturday.

``I think they're going to make him eligible, but that's totally a guess,'' said Richard Lapchick, a longtime observer of the NCAA who is chair of the DeVos Sport Business Program at the University of Central Florida.

Lapchick cited the unique circumstances of the case and the NCAA's new era of flexibility under president Myles Brand, as well as USC's reputation in college sports and high graduation rate in football.

``USC is such an important player for the NCAA. That shouldn't be a factor, but I think it is,'' Lapchick said.

NCAA rules allow Williams to practice while the case is pending, but Carroll decided he should stop - in part because the team must prepare for the likelihood it will start the season without him Saturday against Virginia Tech.

Until the NCAA decision is final, the Trojans are in limbo.

``We're not talking about it, and everybody's (not) pensively waiting,'' Carroll said. ``We're way into our football and the preparation too much. But it's still a lingering item that's out there."

Anderson takes day off

during OSU scrimmage

CORVALLIS - Four quarterbacks - but not starter Derek Anderson - led the Oregon State offense to 487 yards gained and four touchdowns during Saturday's scrimmage.

Head coach Mike Riley gave Anderson, the senior who has been the No. 1 quarterback for the past two years, the day off.

Senior Adam Rothenfluh completed 7-of-8 passes for 101 yards and a 45-yard scoring strike to Mike Hass.

True freshman Yvenson Bernard led the Beavers on the ground with 54 yards on eight carries. Ryan Cole had 33 yards on nine carries, and Dwight Wright had 15 yards on 11 carries.

OSU has one more preseason scrimmage, scheduled for Thursday at the Prothro Football Complex.

Florida State tight end

out for season with injury

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State tight end Donnie Carter will miss the upcoming season with a torn right knee ligament, coach Bobby Bowden said Saturday.

Carter tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a scrimmage Wednesday. He will have surgery within the next two weeks.

``You hate to lose him because he was making good progress and playing good football for us,'' Bowden said.

The 6-foot-4 Carter played extensively last season, sharing time with starters Paul Irons and Matt Henshaw. He had five catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.

CAPTION(S):

Mike Williams has been held out of practice recently by Trojan coach Pete Carroll.