Probation Deemed Sufficient for Hayes

USC recruit Windrell Hayes was sentenced to three years probation Wednesday in San Joaquin County Superior Court at Stockton after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of writing checks on insufficient funds and will join the Trojans at their Irvine training camp as early as this afternoon if he completes paperwork with university officials and passes a physical exam this morning.

Coach Paul Hackett said Hayes, a junior receiver, won’t face disciplinary action with the Trojans even though he faced three felony charges in a bad-check scam before reaching a plea-bargain agreement that allowed him to plead to a misdemeanor after making restitution of $8,490.13 and cooperating with authorities.

Hackett said Hayes “obviously has been in error” but cited the conviction on only a misdemeanor and the fact Hayes made restitution as circumstances that were considered.

“My position is he’ll get a second opportunity, a new start here at USC. I will be very conscious to watch carefully how he proceeds,” Hackett said. “Will he be closely watched? Sure he will.”

Two other Trojan players, receiver R. Jay Soward and safety Darnell Lacy, received strict one-game suspensions from Hackett after falling behind academically in the spring, but Hackett defended the decision not to suspend Hayes.

“The guy made a mistake,” Hackett said. “There’s a second chance.”

Hayes’ attorney, Michael Babitzke, said the player procured a loan to make the restitution.

Patrick Slamon, a San Joaquin County deputy district attorney, said the terms of Hayes’ probation do not affect his freedom to travel. However, Hayes agreed to testify against two other defendants in the case who have not accepted the same plea-bargain offer if their cases go to trial. In addition, if Hayes were to violate his probation by committing another crime, he could get jail time.

Hayes, 21, is considered a key addition to a USC receiver corps depleted by Rod Perry’s decision to quit football and transfer to Cal State Fullerton, as well as Soward’s one-game suspension.

Under NCAA rules, Hayes must work out in shorts for three days before practicing in pads, probably Monday, Hackett said.

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With the Trojans scheduled to practice in pads for the first time today, Hackett canceled the afternoon workout Wednesday to give the players a break. . . . . Freshman tight end Scott Huber injured his hip during practice and is expected to miss a couple of days because of a hip pointer.