Former USC star Lattimore interested in running Richland Recreation Commission

Former University of South Carolina football star Marcus Lattimore wants to help turn around the embattled Richland County Recreation Commission.

Lattimore, whose promising football career was cut short by knee injuries in 2014, said he has been angered by news of law enforcement investigations into alleged corruption at the commission, and by allegations of sexual harassment and other improper behavior by the agency’s director.

If investigations reveal a need for a leadership change, the Duncan native said he would be interested in becoming the recreation agency’s executive director.

“I would be effective and efficient,” Lattimore said, adding Richland County residents deserve transparency and honesty.

Lattimore’s foundation last year partnered with the commission to create “Sunday Funday” events aimed at increasing youth participation in sports across the county.

Now an assistant football coach at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Lattimore said his interest in the job stems from growing up in a small Upstate town.

“If we didn’t have that rec commission, if we didn’t have places to go, you never know what could have happened,” the 2014 USC graduate said. “It keeps your mind off some of the negative things that may be going on at home and some of the (negative) things that you could potentially get into.”

The commission’s director, James Brown III, currently is on a voluntary leave of absence. He has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Lattimore said he likely would have to give up his role at Heathwood Hall, but added he would “always be connected to athletics in some capacity at Heathwood as long as they allow me.”

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 12:05 PM with the headline "Former USC star Lattimore interested in running Richland Recreation Commission."