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The first punch cut through the air unobstructed, so JuJu Smith-Schuster reared back and launched another.
USC had been stewing since the start of Tuesday’s practice. Much of the energy was productive. But now it was convulsing into hostility.
A gratuitous celebration after a pass breakup had angered Smith-Schuster, USC’s No. 1 receiver. Words were exchanged. Frustration boiled. Smith-Schuster and safety Ykili Ross began to scuffle, and much of the defense joined.
After taking a few swings, Smith-Schuster and another player locked and hurled themselves at the turf. A third player was tossed nearby.
Smith-Schuster got up, separated himself and then kicked the football toward the simmering scrum. Then he began walking off the field.
He marched to the wall of the practice facility and sat there, slumped. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson scurried over to settle him down. Coach Clay Helton and offensive coordinator Tee Martin talked to him, and Smith-Schuster eventually rejoined the team, though he did not play for the rest of the session.
Here was USC, the rumblings of a 52-6 loss to Alabama still echoing into the next week.