Former USC Athlete Owen Hanson Shares Lessons from Prison

Owen Hanson, a former athlete at the University of Southern California (USC), is using his experiences in prison to warn young athletes about the dangers of gambling and drug use. Currently residing in Colorado, Hanson is determined to share his story after serving over 20 years for his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking and gambling operation.

Hanson’s journey began to take a darker turn in December 2017, when he was sentenced to 255 months in prison for his role in a criminal enterprise that extended across the United States, Central and South America, and Australia. His offenses included drug trafficking, money laundering, and operating an illegal sports gambling network. He has since adopted various nicknames, including “Cocaine Quarterback,” but now aims to be recognized simply as Owen.

While incarcerated at FCI Englewood, Hanson often found his thoughts drifting back to his days at USC, where he played volleyball and later walked on to the football team. He reflected on his past, worrying whether his former teammates would accept him after his felony conviction. “I was worried about it the whole time I was in prison,” he said. “Are any of my Trojan brothers going to welcome me? Or are they just going to write me off?”

His return to the Coliseum this fall during a USC game against Iowa marked a significant moment for Hanson, who had not set foot on campus in 20 years. The experience served as a reminder of the dreams he once had, shaped by his desire to fit in at USC, where he often felt out of place among wealthier peers.

“I was the son of a construction worker. Obviously, I didn’t fit in,” Hanson recalled. “Everyone had the American Express Black Card. I wanted to be like them.” This longing for acceptance ultimately led him deeper into the world of drugs and gambling, a path he now hopes to steer young athletes away from.

Hanson’s reflections are encapsulated in his memoir, “The California Kid,” which he co-wrote during his time behind bars. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the risks associated with gambling.

His message resonates particularly in light of recent NCAA investigations into gambling activities involving college athletes. In a statement released on November 7, 2023, the NCAA confirmed that several student-athletes from institutions including New Orleans and Arizona State were permanently ineligible due to their involvement in gambling, highlighting the very issues that Hanson aims to address.

Hanson has begun to reach out to current USC athletes, recently speaking to the men’s basketball team about the implications of sports gambling. USC men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman expressed his support for Hanson’s efforts, stating, “I felt like his story would resonate with them. I admire how he is using his story to make a positive change.”

Despite his past, Hanson does not consider himself a motivational speaker but rather a “preventative speaker.” He is committed to educating young athletes about the potential pitfalls of gambling, particularly in an era where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals provide them with disposable income, increasing the risks associated with betting on sports.

“I feel like it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Hanson warned. “With NIL, these athletes are getting paid money where now they have disposable income to bet on a sporting event.”

Alongside his advocacy work, Hanson is also managing a protein ice cream company, California Ice Protein, which was inspired by his experiences in prison. He remains focused on spreading his message of caution while rebuilding connections with his past.

In a world where the pressures on young athletes continue to mount, Hanson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity and self-acceptance. “Just be yourself,” he advises. “People should accept you for who you are. If they don’t, oh well. Guess what? You’ll find someone that will.”