USC, Bush feel the consequences of foul play

Laura Eisenman

The results of an ongoing, four-year investigation concerning violations from from three of University of Southern California’s athletic teams have been released. Backlash includes a two-year of postseason-play football ban.

Allegations made concerning former Trojan running back and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush sparked the investigation. Bush was involved in the following violations of ethical conduct, amongst others, according to a report released Thursday by the NCAA:

“Entering into an agreement with sports agency partners A and B to establish a sports agency.”

“[Bush] and his family began asking for financial and other assistance from agency partners A and B.”

“Arranged round-trip airline transportation between San Diego and Ft. Lauderdale [Florida] … for the parents and for the brother of [Bush] to attend the Orange Bowl.”

“During a telephone conversation … [Bush] was embarrassed to drive his current vehicle … [Bush] located a vehicle he wanted, and agency partner A gave [Bush’s] stepfather several thousand dollars in cash for a down payment on the vehicle. Approximately one week later, agency partner A gave [Bush] another sizable cash payment, which [Bush] used for a car alarm and audio system.

Among the large sums of money to be paid in fines, the Trojans must also forfeit all wins in which Bush played while working with agents on his sports agency. This window includes their 2005 Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma, when the Trojans defeated the Sooners 55-19.

The NCAA credits “a lack of institutional control, impermissible inducements, extra benefits, exceeding coach staff limits and unethical conduct” to the foul play of Bush and the Trojans.