Cornerback Eric Wright intercepts a pass in Southern California's 55-19 win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4 in Miami. Photo by The Associated Press. Eric Wright Cornerback hopes to leave troubled past behind in transfer from USC to Rebels

Former Southern California cornerback Eric Wright finally transferred to UNLV, but an answer to whether the risk was worth the reward probably won't come anytime soon.

Wright made no attempt Wednesday to explain away his troubled past; instead he focused on the future.

"Personally, I don't feel like I need to convince anybody of anything," said Wright, who will have two years of eligibility after sitting out this season under NCAA transfer rules. "I just have to do what I'm used to doing, and that's going to school and taking care of my academics and going on the field and taking care of the athletics. Everything eventually will speak for itself, so I don't even focus my mind on changing peoples' views or perceptions of me."

Wright, 20, was arrested March 26 in Los Angeles on suspicion of rape, and police later found 136 Ecstasy pills in his apartment. However, charges were never filed because of insufficient evidence.

UNLV coach Mike Sanford requested that Wright not be asked specifically about that matter. Wright, while never apologizing, indicated that others helped put him in such a precarious spot.

"I don't even like to think back to that time and situation," Wright said. "I think I've learned more through the aftermath than from that actual situation, even though I'm grateful for it to turn out the way it did."

Sanford said he and athletic director Mike Hamrick thoroughly researched the incident and Wright's background before deciding to accept him.

Still, UNLV is exercising precaution. Without giving specifics, Sanford said Wright will have to meet various stipulations to remain on the team.

"He made serious mistakes," Sanford said. "(Wright) had not had a (negative) history prior to this thing and obviously hasn't done anything since that time. This is not a pattern of something that's been in his life. We are in a situation we thought it was the right thing to give him a second chance.

"Both Mike Hamrick and I wrestled with the decision."

There is little doubt the Rebels are getting a talented football player. Wright is the second Trojan to transfer to UNLV in August, but said his decision was not influenced by quarterback Rocky Hinds' switch to the Rebels.

USC coach Pete Carroll apparently thinks it's too much of a coincidence.

"I hope in the process of them finding their schools that everything was done properly and was in compliance with the rules and how it's supposed to be handled," Carroll told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.

Carroll previously denied to grant Hinds and Wright their release to UNLV after reports surfaced of alleged tampering by Rebels coaches. Both players successfully appealed.

"There were rumors that there was contact prior to these guys enrolling," Carroll told the Times. He added that "guys are not supposed to be influenced by people while they're trying to make that decision."

Sanford previously disputed any claims of tampering by his staff regarding Hinds and said Wright contacted UNLV first.

"I sought out UNLV," Wright said.

He said he initially considered many big-time programs when he decided to leave USC but visited only UNLV and Michigan State.

"I think the program is getting ready to turn around for good, and I'm looking to be a part of something special," Wright said.

He started the final four games at USC last season as a redshirt freshman, including the Orange Bowl, in which the Trojans beat Oklahoma 55-19 to win the national championship. Wright intercepted a pass in that game.

"He's an excellent player at a position that if you look around the country is a very difficult position to recruit," Sanford said.