USC announced Thursday night it would allow tight end Bryce Dixon to return to school but would not allow him to join the football team, complying with a judge’s order that reversed his expulsion from the university.

“The judge’s order does not impact or reverse the findings made by the university in this student conduct case,” the statement said. “The university stands by its student disciplinary processes, which were conducted in compliance with state and federal law, including Title IX and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (“VAWA”), and with federal guidance issued by the Office for Civil Rights.

“Where there is a disciplinary finding this serious in nature, the university prohibits students from representing the university, including as a member of its athletic teams. So while we will comply with the judge’s order staying the expulsion, Mr. Dixon will not be reinstated as a student-athlete.”

Dixon was expelled following a university sexual misconduct investigation, but Judge Robert O’Brien expressed reservations about USC’s investigative and due-process procedures.

Dixon’s issues are related to a relationship with a female student athletic trainer. He was investigated for two alleged incidents. Dixon was cleared of misconduct for a situation that occurred Oct. 9 but found to have violated USC “affirmative consent” policy for sexual activity.

Dixon was eager to return to the team, but his status now remains in limbo as he could possibly return to court.

Meanwhile, tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, who needed to pass several summer classes to be eligible, could learn his fate as soon as today. Sources said Cope-Fitzpatrick already received some passing grades but is still waiting for at least one class.

Rogers is dominating

The rehabilitation of wide receiver Darreus Rogers continued Wednesday night at USC practice. Rogers made several big plays and caught a touchdown pass at the end of the workout.

Rogers was so happy he jumped and tossed the ball over the crossbar of the goal post. The performance came on the heels of a dramatic one-handed catch Rogers made in the previous day’s practice.

“Darreus is a beast,” linebacker Su’a Cravens said.

Rogers was in the doghouse for much of last season and barely played at times. But Sarkisian said his attitude is different today. As an example, Sarkisian said Rogers was genuinely upset after not making a catch on a play and would have probably accepted it last year.

“We’ve got four big, physical guys (at wide receiver),” Sarkisian said, referring to Rogers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Issac Whitney and De’Quan Hampton.

Rogers, who was listed as a starter at the end of spring practice, said his effort will determine his role.

“I know the system, it’s up to me to do what I’ve got to do,” he said.

If the season started today, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Rogers and Steven Mitchell would be the expected starters.

Simmons to defense

Jordan Simmons is starting his fourth year at USC, but the once highly touted offensive lineman is now a defensive tackle after barely playing most of his career.

“I see a big man that’s hard to move,” Sarkisian said. “I’ve been pleased with Jordan.”

If Simmons is successful, it will be an unusual move in one respect: Defensive linemen move to offense far more than vice versa, because they are usually more athletic than offensive linemen and it is easier to learn a new position.

Former UCLA assistant helps USC

Mike Tuiasosopo, who was fired at UCLA, where he was the linebackers/special teams coach, is now working at USC as a “volunteer football analyst,” according to a school spokesperson. Tuiasosopo is the second cousin of USC tight ends coach Marques Tuiasosopo.

Back to work

USC returns to practice tonight at 7 at Howard Jones Field.

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