Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 2, 1991 TAG: 9102020040
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
"I'm really relieved. It's a big weight off my shoulders," the Southern California quarterback said in a telephone interview. "Now I can just concentrate on preparing for a giant step. It's definitely the ultimate challenge, preparing for the NFL.
"I don't expect it to be easy, but I've worked hard my whole life and I expect to work even harder. I'll play for anyone who believes in my future and my ability.
"I'm willing to give 100 percent to any organization that drafts me."
Marinovich, whom scouts say is unlikely to be selected until at least the third round, informed Trojans coach Larry Smith of his decision on Friday. The move seemed assured since Marinovich was arrested Jan. 20 on suspicion of possession of cocaine.
Marinovich said he didn't believe his future would be damaged by the arrest.
"I've put that behind me," he said. "I've made some mistakes that I hope I can learn from and I think that I have. I don't intend to make those same mistakes in the future."
Friday was the deadline for underclassmen to declare their intention. The decision by Marinovich capped a month in which he was suspended indefinitely from the Southern Cal football program and arrested nine days later.
His arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of possession of cocaine is scheduled for Feb. 11 in Orange County Harbor Judicial District Municipal Court.
Marinovich, 21, said he made the decision to enter the draft Thursday.
"It never really entered my mind until the last month," Marinovich said. "A lot went on. I talked to my mom and my dad and close family friends. I felt it was time to go forward in both my life and in football."
Marinovich came out of Capistrano Valley High in nearby Mission Viejo in 1987 as one of the country's most highly regarded prep quarterbacks. He passed for 9,194 yards in high school, the only high school player ever to surpass 9,000 yards through the air.
He chose Southern Cal, which wasn't a surprise since his father, Marv, was a three-year letterman as an offensive lineman at the school and was co-captain of the 1962 national championship team.
After sitting out his first year at Southern Cal, Marinovich was outstanding as a redshirt freshman in 1989, completing 219 of 352 passes for 2,578 yards and 16 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. The Trojans went 9-2-1, including a 17-10 victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Entering the 1990 season, Marinovich was mentioned prominently as an honors candidate, but his play was erratic and he had problems off the field. He played in 12 of Southern Cal's 13 games, starting 11, and completed 196 of 322 passes for 2,423 yards and 13 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.
by CNB