Players at party at Leonardo's

USC wide receiver Travon Patterson said Monday a large group of football players attended the party where Trojans sprinter Bryshon Nellum was shot three times in the legs last week.

"I was there but I left early," Patterson said. "A lot of guys went there. The whole party was cool but I left."

The party took place at Leonardo's night club on Vermont Avenue, a few blocks away from the USC campus. No football players were hurt although some did witness the incident, according to sources. Police said Nellum was shot in both legs in an incident that is believed to be gang-related.

Patterson, who went to Long Beach Poly High School with Nellum, said he spoke to the track star Monday when he was released from the California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles.

"He's learning how to walk again (because of numbness in his foot)," Patterson said. "He's feels blessed that he's here."

Nellum, the 2007 Gatorade national boys' track athlete of the year, is expected to require three months of recovery before he even attempts to run.

He was considered a future Olympian and won four individual California state titles in the 200 and 400 meters.

"He said he should be able to run again," Patterson said.

ELLISON RETURNS

Safety Kevin Ellison walked without problems after undergoing surgery on his right knee Monday morning to repair torn cartilage.

USC coach Pete Carroll said Ellison could return in three weeks. Ellison said he might be back for this week's game against California.

"I'm serious," he said.

That is not expected to happen but Ellison said he felt good and did not have much swelling from the 40-minute operation.

"The recovery is as tolerated," Ellison said. "I feel great."

Ellison injured his knee after he intercepted a pass in Thursday's practice.

INJURY REPORT

Tight end Blake Ayles (bruised knee) will not practice before Wednesday. Fullback Stanley Havili missed practice because he was sick. Wide receiver Damian Williams said his sprained shoulder improved after he caught just two passes against Washington.

Tailback Joe McKnight (turf toe) participated in some of Monday's practice and said he expects to play against Cal but is not 100 percent certain yet.

Linebacker Michael Morgan sprained a knee ligament against Washington.

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