Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

Bush finally meets with the NCAA

Posted by Mike Florio on January 11, 2010 11:22 AM ET
More than three years after he left USC, running back Reggie Bush finally met with NCAA investigators looking into the question of whether his eligibility was compromised via the receipt of cash or other benefits while playing college football.

According to Jason Cole and Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports, the interview occurred prior to the 2009 NFL season.

Per the report, Bush denied receiving cash or other benefits from a prospective marketing agency while he was playing for the Trojans. The claims previously have resulted in a reported settlement with one of the principals of the agency, and a lawsuit filed by one of the other owners of the firm.

The problem is that the NCAA can't force Bush to talk -- and they have no ability to impose any consequences on him for failing to tell the truth. If the NCAA ultimately uncovers sufficient evidence to prove that the allegations are accurate, Bush could be required to pack his 2005 Heisman Trophy up in a box and send it to Nashville with a packing slip that reads "Vince Young."

The fact that the NCAA is still pushing the matter might have had something to do with coach Pete Carroll's decision to leave USC for the NFL, especially since Yahoo! Sports reports that the NCAA has broadened its probe of the Trojans' athletics department in the past year.

With Carroll possibly in line for a black eye once the NCAA issues a notice of infractions, which according to Yahoo! Sports could come as soon as March, it arguably makes sense for Carroll to escape now.

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

Hopefully they met with him in NO, and he didn't have to take time away to fly out anywhere.

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

The fact that the NCAA is still pushing the matter might have had something to do with coach Pete Carroll's decision to leave USC for the NFL

I think it was a good reason to leave.

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

I read yesterday that he met with them PRIOR to the start of the 2009 Season...sooo, hopefully its correct. Jason Cole is a D-bag. Whats that guys deal with Reggie anyway? Hes been gunning for him since he entered the league

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

Did you miss the the part about the interview happened prior to the 2009 season.

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

Did I misunderstand the article, or did it say the interview actually took place Prior to the 09 season?

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

The interview was before the 2009 season, but the post was today. This will bring up questions at every interview that Bush has from now until after the Saints win the Superbowl. More Distractions! And notice, this was not posted until the Saints' opponents were determined. This Mike Florio, who posted this today, must either be a Cardinals fan or worse, a Cowboys fan.

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

this will be a total NONFACTOR in the play of reggie bush and our entire football team. so dont get ur pantins all in a bunch

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

It's a good point about the timing. I hope it doesn't get in the way for Reggie and become a distraction. He needs to stay focused and that seems to be a difficult thing for him to do.

Re: Great, A Distraction. (Bush/USC)
 

<yawn>

Move along. Nothing to see here. Reggie couldn't give a crap I'm sure. This is the equivalent of a fly on an elephant's ass.

</yawn>