Player Indicted in Drug Case Rejoins Rams : Football: Darryl Henley says he’s fit and focused on sport. Some fans welcome him, others are angered.

Cornerback Darryl Henley was back in a Los Angeles Rams uniform Thursday, rejoining the team that released him in May after he was indicted on federal drug trafficking charges--and saying that football is the only thing he’s worried about right now.

“I just had a longer off-season,” Henley said, describing a sabbatical from the National Football League that began Oct. 5 with a leave of absence after federal agents began investigating his alleged role in a cocaine distribution network they say operated out of his home in Brea.

Several outraged callers to the Rams’ Anaheim headquarters Thursday weren’t nearly as nonchalant, one going so far as to say he was canceling his season tickets. But most fans watching the team practice at UC Irvine said they were happy to have another player that might help the struggling franchise get back into playoff contention.

“We need healthy defensive backs,” said Irv Adlen, who lives in Santa Monica.

Added Leslie Richardson of Yorba Linda: “He hasn’t been convicted of anything yet.”

Henley, awaiting a Jan. 10 trial, on Wednesday signed a one-year, $350,000 contract that includes several incentive clauses. He worked out twice with the team Thursday.

Henley refused to talk about the specifics of the drug charges after the morning practice, saying only that they hadn’t been a distraction in his preparation for the season.

“None (at all),” he said. “I act like you guys (reporters) aren’t even there. That’s my focus. It’s only a distraction if I let it become a distraction.

“I’m not going to say anything or relate to anything concerning the things that have happened. I’ve been directed by counsel, and that’s the best way.”

After working out with the second-string defense Thursday, Henley said he won’t be making the trip to Madison, Wis., for the team’s exhibition opener Saturday against the Green Bay Packers.

As a condition of his bail, Henley is not allowed to leave a seven-county region in Southern California. His legal representatives have assured the Rams that it won’t be a problem but are still awaiting a ruling.

“I haven’t heard a thing,” Henley said. “I didn’t even know about that.”

Assistant U.S. Atty. John Rayburn, who is helping to prosecute the case, said it is unlikely Henley will get a hearing on his request to travel before Aug. 22 because U.S. District Judge Gary Taylor, who is hearing the case, is out of town until then.

A Rams official also said no word was expected this week. The team isn’t scheduled to play another game outside of Henley’s travel area until Sept. 11 in Atlanta.

An unrestricted free agent after the Rams cut him in late May, Henley received clearance from the NFL Monday to return. He said there was no question he would do so with the Rams.

“I wanted to play here,” he said. “It makes more sense to handle things here and get it done here.

“The team has been good to me, stood by me. Coach (Chuck) Knox has always been upfront with me, and he told me I have to come back and work. And it’s not like I haven’t faced adversity.”

Was Henley surprised that the Rams were so eager to re-sign him?

“Not at all,” he said. “I’m grateful, but not surprised. I’m not a problem guy. I’m just taking care of my business. Everything that happened back then is in the background now. Every day is a new day.”

Henley said he needs “a couple days” to get into playing shape. He said he has been working out twice a day with friends in Long Beach.

“I’m in pretty good shape,” Henley said. “I wasn’t winded. I’m just getting back into the right frame of mind. It’s almost like a freshman, coming out of high school.”

Henley said he received a “warm reception” from his teammates when he arrived at the Rams’ training camp Thursday morning.

“I’m so mentally tough right now, I can handle this and that. I’m back out here to play football, and that is my primary focus, my only goal until the end of the season. I’m glad the Rams stood there and weren’t afraid and gave me a chance to play football.”

Safety Anthony Newman was particularly pleased his old friend had returned. He and Henley talked for 20 minutes after practice.

“Darryl is one of my best friends, and knowing he’s back on the team fills my heart with joy,” Newman said. “As to the things off the field, I have nothing to say. . . . All I know is I’m happy to see Darryl’s face. He’s been there for me, and I’m going to be there for him.”

Knox also confined comments to Henley’s play on the field.

“He looked good today, and he moved well,” Knox said. “He’s got those fresh legs because he hasn’t been in training camp the last two weeks.”

Henley, a six-year pro from UCLA, started four games at right cornerback last season. He left with 186 career tackles and nine interceptions, and Ram coaches thought he was approaching All-Pro status.

He had visited the Rams’ Anaheim training facility several times since he left the team, meeting with teammates and coaches. He was paid his salary from the beginning of his leave of absence until he was released.

Henley worked out briefly with assistant head coach Joe Vitt in October, but the NFL later ruled that he couldn’t practice under the circumstances.

The Rams struggled to a 5-11 record last season after knee injuries sidelined starting cornerbacks Todd Lyght and Robert Bailey, forcing the team to sign free agents as replacements. Was it difficult for Henley to watch his team struggle?

“It was an adjustment,” he said, “but I had a few things to worry about of my own.

“Now, I’m just glad to be here.”

Despite the positive attitude expressed by many, the day was not devoid of cynicism.

“Maybe we can sign O.J. Simpson too,” said Santa Monica’s Adlen. “It can be the all-penal team.”

Times staff writers Chris Foster and Mark Platte contributed to this story.

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