USC PF Chimezie Metu Cleared to Play vs. Utah Amid Payment Allegations

USC power forward Chimezie Metu has been cleared to play for the Trojans in Saturday's road game against Utah. Yahoo Sports reported Friday that Metu or adviser Johnnie Parker allegedly received a payment from ASM Sports, according to documents from an FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball.

Athletic director Lynn Swann released a statement about the decision before the Pac-12 clash at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City:

Documents reviewed by Yahoo Sports showed $2,000 was given to Metu and/or Parker. No further details were provided.

Metu is the Trojans' leading scorer at 16 points per game this season. The junior is also averaging 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor in 29 games.

He committed to USC as a 247Sports 4-star prospect in November 2014 as part of the 2015 recruiting class.

The Trojans currently sit second in the Pac-12, 1.5 games behind Arizona with two games left in the regular season. The Wildcats were also linked to the scandal after Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reported head coach Sean Miller was recorded on wiretap discussing a possible $100,000 payment to secure a commitment from coveted recruit Deandre Ayton, who ultimately signed with the Cats.

Utah is one game behind USC in the Pac-12 ahead of Saturday's contest. Former Utes star and current Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma is also listed in the Yahoo Sports report for allegedly receiving "at least $9,500" during his time at the school.