VALENCIA HIGH FOOTBALL STAR CHARLES BURNLEY LEAVES OSU.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

Former Valencia High football standout Charles Burnley might be a great running back, but he still can't outrun his problems.

Once among California's most touted prospects, the oft-troubled Burnley has flunked out at Oregon State and has left the university after a promising freshman season, sources said.

``He's no longer on the roster,'' Oregon State spokesman Steve Fenk said. ``Unfortunately, I can't get into why he left. Let's just say it's unrelated to football.''

Burnley wasn't available for comment. College of the Canyons football coach Chuck Lyon said he was told by OSU coaches that Burnley ``flunked out and has decided to pursue a rap-music career.''

At Valencia, Burnley rushed for more than 3,500 yards over his final two seasons but also made headlines for discipline and academic problems.

In 2002, he was arrested on suspicion of battery midway through his senior season after attacking a fellow student. He was suspended for five days - the school district's most severe allowable punishment short of expulsion - and was later sentenced to six months probation on a juvenile battery charge. The following semester, Burnley was ruled academically ineligible, costing him a chance to compete in track.

After graduation, Burnley failed to meet NCAA academic requirements and couldn't accept an Oregon State scholarship directly out of high school. After taking classes at College of the Canyons and achieving a qualifying SAT score, he eventually signed with OSU in March 2004.

Last season at OSU, Burnley switched to defensive back and played on special teams. He recently switched back to running back and was expected to compete for a starting position this season.