Dillon Baxter won't play for USC against Oregon State

Dillon Baxter, USC's prize freshman running back, didn't make the trip to Corvallis with the football team and will not play against Oregon State on Saturday.

In a video posted on the school's website, Coach Lane Kiffin said Baxter was left behind while a compliance issue was being sorted out. School officials learned Baxter accepted a ride in a golf cart on campus, only to find out later that one of the people in the cart might be a sports agent. That's a possible violation of NCAA rules.

Kiffin said Baxter did not know the person might be an agent. USC has reported the incident to the NCAA.

Baxter was expected to be Marc Tyler's primary backup. The role is now expected to be filled by Allen Bradford, who hasn't played much recently.

--Gary Klein

Photo: Dillon Baxter scores against Stanford earlier this month. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times