Nick Ut / AP

Southern California wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett makes a catch during practice.

updated 2:59 p.m. ET Aug. 15, 2006

LOS ANGELES - USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett and lineman Thomas Herring were briefly detained by police early Tuesday after they were picked up by a female driver in a car that may have been used during a crime, authorities said.

Both players were walking to morning practice about 8 a.m. when a woman offered them a ride, said coach Pete Carroll. As the players were being dropped off, police swarmed the vehicle and handcuffed the woman, Jarrett and Herring.

Carroll said there was an “investigation on the car” and the players were released after it was determined they weren’t involved.

“Our guys were let go but for a moment it was quite a scare,” Carroll said. “LAPD realized our guys were not involved. The lesson is don’t take rides from strangers.”

The vehicle was stopped because it may have been used during a crime, said police Officer Sara Fraden, who was unable to elaborate. The driver was being questioned by police.

Jarrett and Herring both attended practice, said USC spokesman Tim Tessalone.

Jarrett was ruled ineligible earlier this year by the NCAA because he failed to pay full rent on an apartment he shared with Matt Leinart last season.

The All-American receiver was reinstated last week and will not miss a game. He had a team-high 91 receptions for 1,274 yards and scored 16 TDs during 2005.

More news

Geoff Burke / Getty Images

Hokies not buying expansion rumors

CFT: Virginia Tech officials say they're happy in the ACC and haven't talked to anyone about moving to a different conference.

CFT: Michigan commit burns Buckeyes literature

Headlines

• Label

CFT: SEC's Slive no fan of plus-one playoff model

CFT: Ex-PSU prez wants to see Sandusky emails

Sandusky charity to shut down, transfer programs

Ex-QB Brian Johnson still directing Utes offense

CFT: Miami says it's 'committed to the ACC'

CFT: Clemson would listen to other conferences

CFT: Tennessee TE booted following felony arrest

CFT: Potential Cal starter kicked off team