Bush Update
The NCAA wants to see Reggie Bush's upcoming deposition.
The NCAA contacted a lawyer representing two marketing agents that accuse of former-USC tailback Reggie Bush of fraud on Friday and asked for a copy of an upcoming deposition that would help determine if Bush accepted improper financial benefits.
Bush and his family are not cooperating with the NCAA, making it difficult for the organization to complete its investigation into how much money he allegedly accepted from sports marketing agents.
Brian Watkins, an attorney for aspiring marketing agents Michael Michaels and Lloyd Lake, said he spoke to the NCAA on Friday afternoon because they want testimony from Bush.
Watkins said he intends to file a ``fraud and breach of contract’’ against Bush in the next few weeks, which would require Bush to attend a deposition and answer questions from Watkins.
``The deposition will be one of the absolutely keys,’’ Watkins said. ``(The NCAA) can't get him to talk but I can. They can't get his side of the story. But he has to answer questions under oath.’’
``The NCAA is kind of stalled. We can't give the NCAA our documentation right now because they would have to turn it over to the Bush family, which would hurt our case. But we are keeping them abreast of the situation.’’
Watkins said he would also use information from a Yahoo.com story that said Bush received more than $100,000 in financial benefits from marketing agents, including his clients and Bush’s current marketing agent, Mike Ornstein.
`` Reggie Bush said the truth would come out and show what a good guy he is and the truth has come out,’’ Watkins said. ``It clearly substantiates our claim of fraud. They were taking money from Ornstein and my clients, knowing they would not go forward with my clients.’’
Watkins said Bush owes more than $100,000 to his clients.
Bush denied any wrongdoing following Friday’s New Orleans Saints practice.
``I'm not worried about any of these allegations or anything like that," he said. "Because I know what the truth is, like I said from day one. Once the smoke clears, everybody's going to see we did nothing wrong."
If the NCAA finds evidence of improper benefits, it might force USC to forfeit games or even its 2004 national title. It could also cost Bush his Heisman Trophy.
``Obviously it does affect you just because it is out there,’’ Bush said. ``But at the same time I know there's nothing to worry about. It makes you want to go out there right away and tell your side of the story. Show everybody the facts, the truth. But you can't do that. That wouldn't be the right way to do it.’’
``The deposition will be one of the absolutely keys,’’ Watkins said. ``(The NCAA) can't get him to talk but I can. They can't get his side of the story. But he has to answer questions under oath.’’
Translation: We'll make you do a deposition and give it to the NCAA if you don't pay us out.
No wonder these guys are under suspicion for extortion.
If I recall, Bush was a nonfactor in the 2005 Orange Bowl vs Oklahoma. Reggie Bush did not score a touchdown and had somewhere around 80 all purpose yards. Not much for a superstar. The stars that night were Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, Matt Leinart, Dominique Byrd and Lendale White. Oh and I'm forgetting the stars on defense.
I also recall Bush being a nonfactor in the 2004 Rose Bowl vs. Michigan by not scoring a touchdown and not posting more than 100 yards. The stars that night were Mike Williams, Matt Leinart and Keary Colbert. Oh and I'm forgetting the stars on defense again.
Once again, if my memory is correct, wasn't it Reggie Bush who made the biggest football blunder ever in the 2006 Rose Bowl vs. Texas by attempting a lateral pass while being tackled after a huge gain. I am told one play does not make a game but in my estimation that was a big freakin' play from a superstar running back.
Since he was a nonfactor in both title games should USC be stripped of its titles?
Felipe
Of course Bush is not "worried" about the allegations - he won't have to miss a game, or, likely, forfeit any of his huge salary and bonus money, probably no endorsements unless Adidas and a few others show some spine:
If Bush is found responsible, here is what should happen:
1. He repays USC all of his tuition and expense money for the 3 years.
2. He forfeits Heisman
3. He is investigated by the NFL, and if found responsible, he is fined.
4. His endorsements are affected (like Kobe Bryant, remember?)
5. His family are fined based upon the illegal benefits they received - pay to USC to indemnify it against losses caused by Bush and them.
6. USC pays a fine.
If Bush is not found responsible, this whole thing goes away. Fast. How can USC be responsible for what a player and/or his family do. It is not likely that they are advising the University every time they get a check, etc.
If Bush's family involved themselves with this, it is them who should pay the brunt. Obviously, if it is true, this so-called "all American supportive family" is the fraud. How can parents deliberately involve their son in illegal activity? What a shame.
Someone please ask Reggie Bush the following question:
While YOU are not worried about the allegations, does USC have anything to be worried about?