USC says expelled TE Bryce Dixon can re-enroll after judge's ruling

USCcleared former tight end Bryce Dixonto re-enroll Thursday but said he would not be reinstated to play after Los Angeles Superior Court judge Robert H. O'Brien ruled to put his expulsion on hold.

Dixon did not take part in the Trojans' spring practices because of a "student conduct issue" that involved a sexual assault investigation. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that Dixon was no longer enrolled at the university.

"USC has reviewed the judge's written order staying Bryce Dixon's expulsion from the university pending further review by the court," USC said in a statement released Thursday. "We will comply with the court's order and allow Mr. Dixon to re-enroll in the university immediately."

Dixon has been meeting with USC officials during the summer in an attempt to regain admittance to the university and rejoin the team. Dixon even stopped by a Trojans recruiting camp in June and was greeted warmly by former teammates and coaches.

"The judge's order does not impact or reverse the findings made by the university in this student conduct case," USC said in its statement. "The university stands by its student disciplinary processes, which were conducted in compliance with state and federal law, including Title IX and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act ("VAWA"), and with federal guidance issued by the Office for Civil Rights.

"Where there is a disciplinary finding this serious in nature, the university prohibits students from representing the university, including as a member of its athletic teams. So while we will comply with the judge's order staying the expulsion, Mr. Dixon will not be reinstated as a student-athlete."

Dixon caught 14 passes and had four touchdowns as a true freshman last season.

USC was also waiting to see if redshirt junior tight end Jalen-Cope Fitzpatrick achieved the necessary academic marks over the summer semester to rejoin the team. He missed the 2014 season because of academics but returned to take part in spring drills, where he shared first-team reps with walk-on Connor Spears.

He has been held out of fall camp practices while waiting for final word on his eligibility.

Other potential candidates at tight end include true freshman Tyler Petite, Oklahoma transfer Taylor McNamara, former offensive lineman Cyrus Hobbi and walk-on Caleb Wilson.

Information from ESPN.com's Garry Paskiewitz was used in this report.