Wright Leaves USC Program

USC cornerback Eric Wright, who faced possible suspension or expulsion from school for his role in an alleged incident that occurred in late March, has withdrawn from classes and will seek to continue his career elsewhere, Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday.

“He came to the conclusion it’s the right thing to do, and I agree,” Carroll said.

Wright, 19, was scheduled to meet with school disciplinary officials June 15. He had been suspended from the team since he was arrested on suspicion of rape March 26.

In April, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office declined to file sex or drug-related charges against Wright because of insufficient evidence. According to documents released by the district attorney, 136 pills of the drug Ecstasy were found in Wright’s room at an apartment he shared with another USC player near campus.

Wright, a redshirt sophomore from San Francisco, started the final four games last season. He intercepted a pass in USC’s victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.

According to USC’s website, “use, possession or dissemination of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia in the university community or at university-sponsored activities” is a violation of the school’s policy on alcohol and other drugs. Suspension and expulsion are among the possible punishments.

Wright’s attorney, Carmen Trutanich, said Wednesday that a statement by Michael L. Jackson, USC’s vice president of student affairs, influenced Wright’s decision to leave USC.

On the day that the district attorney declined to file charges, Jackson said in a statement that USC’s “standard of proof is different from the criminal courts. If what is alleged to have taken place occurred and is proven according to USC’s standard, Mr. Wright faces serious consequences for his actions.”

Trutanich said, “In light of the statement issued early on in this matter it became clear it might be best for him to pursue other opportunities.”

Wright said last week that he was not considering leaving USC. “There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind -- this is where I want to be,” he said.

But Carroll said he spoke with Wright several times in the last few days before Wright decided to move on.

Wright could not be reached for comment.

Trutanich said Wright has been in contact with other schools and hopes to continue his career at a Division I program. If he transferred to another NCAA school, Wright would have to sit out a season before he would be eligible.

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Carroll is expected to meet today with quarterback Rocky Hinds, who is considering transferring. Hinds, a redshirt sophomore, finished spring practice listed third on the depth chart behind senior Matt Leinart and redshirt sophomore John David Booty.... USC’s home opener against Arkansas on Sept. 17 and the Trojans’ Nov. 19 nonconference game against Fresno State will start at 7:15 p.m. and will be televised by FSN West.