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USC’s De’Anthony Melton being held out for entire season

USC v Baylor

TULSA, OK - MARCH 19: De’Anthony Melton #22 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Baylor Bears during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Add De’Anthony Melton’s sophomore season to the casualty list from the federal investigation into corruption in college basketball.

The Southern Cal guard will not play this season, but will remain with the Trojans and could potentially play next season, the school announced Thursday.

“Based on information discovered through its internal investigation regarding the receipt of extra benefits, primarily to a close family friend of De’Anthony Melton, USC has concluded that De’Anthony will not compete with the USC men’s basketball team in the 2017-18 season,” the school said in a statement. “De’Anthony is a valued member of our program. He will have options for his future at USC, including remaining in school on scholarship while continuing to work on his degree and practicing with the team, and potentially compete for the Trojans in the 2018-19 season.”

Federal authorities allege that David Elliott, a family friend of Melton’s, received $5,000 from Christian Dawkins, who was charged as part of the case, to steer Melton to Dawkins, an aspiring agent, and financial adviser Munish Sood after he turned professional.

USC has kept Melton from competition this season due to questions of his eligibility stemming from the situation. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists as a freshman.

Ten people, including USC assistant Tony Bland and three other assistants from other programs, were arrested in September in connection with the FBI investigation.

The Trojans, who are 12-6 overall and 3-2 in the Pac 12, host Utah on Sunday.