NFL Allows Charles White to Return to Rams Today

Ram tailback Charles White, serving a 30-day suspension for violating the National Football League’s substance-abuse policy, will be allowed to return to the team today, 2 days ahead of schedule.

Commissioner Pete Rozelle reinstated White and Calvin Thomas of the Chicago Bears “a few days earlier than their scheduled re-entry date as an accommodation to the players and their teams.”

White’s suspension officially will end Friday, which would not have allowed the tailback enough practice time to play in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“The players will continue to receive appropriate counseling and treatment,” Rozelle said in a released statement. “Reinstatement is conditional upon the two players totally refraining from any further violations of the NFL substance-abuse policy.”

White was suspended after testing positive for alcohol, a prohibitive substance for previous NFL drug offenders. White was arrested in August of 1987 for being under the influence of cocaine. Any further violations by White will result in a mandatory 1-year suspension, after which time a player can petition for reinstatement.

“It’s great to be back,” White said in a statement issued through the Rams. “I’m looking forward to being back.”

The Rams will receive a 1-week roster exemption for White, the league’s rushing champion in 1987.