College Basketball
Lodrick Stewart not exiting USC hoop program

By Craig Smith
Seattle Times staff reporter

Lodrick Stewart

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The father of USC basketball player Lodrick Stewart says the former Rainier Beach star "is frustrated" at USC but won't be leaving the Trojans during this season.

The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that Lodrick was "visibly angry" when replaced early in the second half of Tuesday's 71-62 loss in Philadelphia to La Salle.

The newspaper said "the disgruntled starter is expected to be granted his release from the school." Lodrick was scoreless when pulled from the game early in the second half and "had to be soothed by a staff member outside a huddle during a timeout," according to the article. He didn't return to the game.

Bull Stewart, Lodrick's father, yesterday said he had talked to his son and said he will remain at USC.

"He's not going anywhere," Bull Stewart said. "He's going to deal with it."

However, the father said, "If we had to do it all over again (choose a school), USC wouldn't be a consideration."

The father said a departure at this point would cost Lodrick his sophomore eligibility.

Lodrick's twin, Rodrick, was granted his release from USC three weeks ago before the regular season started. Rodrick visited Kansas last week and has a visit scheduled to Gonzaga next week, the father said.

Bull Stewart said he went to Los Angeles to help both of his sons get released from the USC program but then "Lodrick changed his mind while I was there."

There have been reported instances of friction between the Stewarts and USC coach Henry Bibby. Bull Stewart said one of the early problems was the departure of assistant Kurtis Townsend, who had recruited the twins. Townsend left soon after the twins had enrolled.

Craig Smith: 206-464-8279 or csmith@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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