The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES Ÿ Defensive lineman Israel Ifeanyi, one of three Southern California players suspended by the Trojans last month because of alleged involvement with a sports agent, asked a judge yesterday to force the NCAA to allow him to play tomorrow at Notre Dame.
The NCAA Enforcement Committee ruled Wednesday that Ifeanyi was subject to a four-game penalty.
Originally, USC was informed that Ifeanyi would be penalized for three games, but the penalty was extended when it was learned Ifeanyi accepted some money from his Nigerian tribesmen. The school contends that such gifts were a cultural custom.
The NCAA agreed to hear Ifeanyi's appeal of its decision today. But when the governing body announced the hearing would be delayed until next week, attorney Fred Wooster went to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert O'Brien.
The judge issued an order allowing Ifeanyi to accompany the team to South Bend, Ind. He also set an emergency hearing for this morning to decide if Ifeanyi should be allowed to play against the Fighting Irish.
''We're hoping to prevail (today), or reach an agreement with the NCAA,'' Wooster said.