Trojans' Wright is charged

Trojans’ Wright is charged

By David Wharton and Gary Klein

Sept. 13, 2008 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writers

USC cornerback Shareece Wright has been charged with felony resisting a police officer in connection with a party in Colton last weekend.

Police detained Wright at the scene, but he was not among several people arrested in the early morning hours on Sunday. The San Bernardino district attorney subsequently filed charges against him and three others.

His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.

Neither Wright nor USC Coach Pete Carroll could be reached for comment.

This week, Wright said he had attended a party for someone being deployed to Iraq. The Colton High alumnus declined to elaborate. At the time, Carroll said the junior would not face team discipline.

“We went through the whole thing,” Carroll said. “We understand what happened.”

Freshmen set to go

Nick Perry and Curtis McNeal were cleared by the NCAA eligibility center on Friday, allowing them to enter school on the final day of enrollment. Perry was a Parade All-American defensive end from Detroit. McNeal was a SuperPrep All-American tailback at Venice High. They are expected to practice Tuesday.

Matthews not satisfied

Clay Matthews should have been thrilled. In USC’s season opener at Virginia, he tied for the team lead in tackles, had a sack and also forced and recovered a fumble.

It was an impressive performance for a fifth-year senior playing rush end for the first time.

“I was not as happy as everyone thought I would be,” Matthews said. “I had some mistakes out there.”

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound former walk-on is eager to further develop his pass-rushing moves. Against Ohio State, he will try to penetrate past 6-8, 312-pound left tackle Alex Boone or 6-4, 312-pound right tackle Bryant Browning.

“He’s shown throughout his career here that nothing is going to stop him from getting the job done,” Carroll said.

Cardinal and green

USC administrators are encouraging fans to consider alternate routes to this evening’s sold-out game.

Off-site parking is available for $25 at Staples Center in Lots 5 and 11, with shuttle service to the Coliseum beginning at noon.

Fans can also find public transportation to the stadium by visiting the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net or by calling 1-800-COMMUTE.

david.wharton@latimes.com

gary.klein@latimes.com

USC Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Gary Klein

Gary Klein covers the Los Angeles Rams for the Los Angeles Times. Before that, he covered USC’s football program and athletic department. He began working for The Times in the San Fernando Valley edition and has reported on high school, college and pro sports. He grew up in Southern California and graduated from Cal State Northridge.

Trojans’ Wright is charged

More From the Los Angeles Times