Justice Says He Will Return Next Season

USC offensive tackle Winston Justice, suspended from school the last two semesters for violating the student conduct code, said Monday that he has registered for spring classes and plans to return to the team next season.

There had been some thought the former freshman All-American might try for early entry into the NFL.

“I’m going to be back next year,” he said. “I’m excited to get back.”

Justice started at right tackle as a freshman and sophomore before pleading no contest in June to exhibiting a replica gun during a dispute. He said he has been working out and has remained close to his playing weight.

Monday marked his first appearance at a USC practice since the incident. He stood on the sideline as the team began installing a game plan for Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4.

“They look great,” Justice said.

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Assistant coach Ed Orgeron was back at practice after spending the last few days at Mississippi, where he was recently named coach.

Orgeron had approached another USC assistant, Lane Kiffin, about joining his staff but said Monday that Kiffin declined.

Asked whether any other USC coaches might follow him to Ole Miss, he said: “I haven’t announced my staff yet, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Orgeron said he already has hired several assistants, whom he declined to name. They will run the program for the next few weeks so he can remain as defensive line coach with the Trojans through the Orange Bowl.

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Though Coach Pete Carroll said he was pleased with Monday’s practice, the news was not so good for two key players recovering from ankle injuries.

Neither tailback LenDale White nor defensive lineman Manuel Wright participated. Carroll said both were “definitely questionable” for the Orange Bowl.

But White sounded hopeful, saying of his ankle: “It’s feeling better.... I will start practicing when we get to Miami.”