Charles White Joins USC Athletic Staff

Charles White, who won the Heisman Trophy at USC in 1979 and then played in the NFL for nine years, was named today as a special assistant to USC Athletic Director Mike McGee.

White, 31, will be involved in the Southern Cal athletic department’s drug abuse and education program for its student-athletes. The former tailback had several well-publicized problems with drugs and alcohol during his NFL career.

He will also work in the community relations area, as well as helping to identify former athletes who might return to USC to finish their degree requirements as part of the athletic department’s degree achievement program.

“I think I can offer a lot to the current student-athletes at USC,” White said. “I’ve gone through some difficult times in my life and hope that the message that I give back to them can help them to be more aware of the dangers of chemical abuse.