Charles White Allowed to Re-Enter Drug Program, Won’t Face Charges

A North Orange County municipal judge ruled Friday that Ram tailback Charles White will be allowed to re-enter a drug diversion program as an outpatient instead of facing misdemeanor charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

According to John Anderson, an Orange County deputy district attorney, White will attend a rehabilitation program at the Center for Creative Alternatives in Mission Viejo for at least a year. A six-month progress report will be required.

After a year, it will be determined if White requires further treatment. If not, all suspended charges against him will be dropped. Anderson said that criminal proceedings will be reinstated if White stops attending or is dismissed from the program.

White was arrested Aug. 21 when he was found wandering in a field in Brea. He has a history of drug problems dating back to his days at USC and with the Cleveland Browns.

“Yeah, I feel happy,” said White, speaking on the subject for the first time since his arrest. “I had good people working for me. I had the Rams organization standing behind me. I feel good.”

White did not have to enter a plea of guilt or innocence Friday.

He was allowed to return to the team Aug. 25 under the condition he be tested daily for drug use for the rest of his career.

White said he is still not ready to talk publicly about the events surrounding his arrest.

“Maybe one of these days we’ll sit down (and talk),” he said. “Now, I’m trying to get rolling for Sunday.”