Stay in university expulsion means TE Bryce Dixon could return to USC

Tight end Bryce Dixon could return to USC this season after a judge granted Dixon’s request to stay the university’s decision to expel him from school.

Dixon was expelled in May following a Title IX sexual misconduct investigation. However, Judge Robert H. O'Brien said in his ruling that he had reservations about USC’s investigative and hearing processes and due process.

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Dixon was investigated for two alleged incidents of misconduct with a female student who was an athletic trainer. He was cleared of an incident on Oct. 9, but was found guilty of violating USC’s “affirmative consent” policy on sexual activity on Oct. 23, according to the L.A. Times.

According to Dixon’s lawyer Mark Hathaway, the judge’s decision should clear the way for Dixon’s return to the school and the football team.

“I fully expect USC to comply with the court's order,” Hathaway told the L.A. Times. “If the only reason his scholarship was taken away and he can't play football is the expulsion, then USC would undo that because that's what they've been ordered to do.”

USC did not state what steps were needed for Dixon to return to school, but did issue a statement:

"The university stands by its student disciplinary processes that were conducted in compliance with state and federal regulations and its decisions in this case. We will carefully evaluate the judge’s written order once it is issued in order to determine our next steps."

Coach Steve Sarkisian has had little to say about the matter, but when asked last month about Dixon possibly returning he noted that the team would welcome him back.

“As the university makes their decision, then we'll make ours,” Sarkisian said.

Dixon averaged a team-best 14.1 yards per reception with 14 catches and four touchdowns. He was suspended for the game against Cal in November for a student conduct issue, but returned to play the final three games of the season. He also missed spring football for a student conduct issue. The school announced his expulsion on May 14.

For more USC news, visit TrojanSports.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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