For University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush, 2005 was a magical year. While USC ended up losing to Texas within the national championship game, the San Diego-born Bush ran from his Heisman Trophy competition in a spectacular All-American period. However, things quickly took a turn for the worst. A Reggie Bush scandal involving pro agents sent the NCAA Committee on Infractions into motion. For the first time in the 75-year history of the Heisman Trophy, a winner (Reggie Bush) had to forfeit the award for accepting cash and gifts from agents while he was nevertheless in college. USC also faced sanctions, according to media sources.
Reggie Bush scandal explodes throughout his junior and senior year
The Reggie Bush scandal played out over four suspicion-soaked years. It took that long for the group to analyze evidence surrounding the bribes agents offered Bush and his family. USC is now under probation and can’t participate in bowl games for 4 years. Adding insult to injury, the university has additionally been forced to give up 30 athletic scholarships over the next three years. The newest York Daily News reports that the NCAA has agreed to allow current and prospective University of Southern California players under letter of intent to renege and transfer without being penalized. Some players have already left, and more may follow as new USC head coach Lane Kiffin looks to keep the storied program on top of the college football world.
'Like free agency without salary cap’
Coach Kiffin likened USC’s current situation with players and recruits to free agency in college football, which technically does not exist, as players must not be paid if they’re to maintain their amateur standing (and hence eligibility to play under NCAA rules). “We’re dealing with free agency with no salary cap on our players,” said Kiffin. ”They can leave anytime to go anywhere and they can play right away. There is no cut-off date until following the final day of add-drop. It makes for a difficult situation”.
USC desires a fast start to the 2010 season will erase doubts
Southern California has made a habit of sending talented quarterbacks to the NFL in recent years, and the program hopes for more of the same with sophomore Matt Barkley. However, media scrutiny can be intense as the school attempts to pick up the pieces following the Reggie Bush scandal. Barkley is realistic about the situation, however. ”I signed (at USC) because it was the best chance for me to get to the league,” said Barkley to an expecting media. When Kiffin responded to the statement by asking Barkley if he prepared to remain with the team through his senior season, the young quarterback said, “Yeah, hopefully. We’ll see”.
Speaking of reassurance, USC may also have to wait and see just how much damage the Scandal with Reggie Bush has done.
Additional reading
Babble
blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2010/09/07/details-of-the-reggie-bush-scandal/
Los Angeles Times
articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/26/sports/la-sp-crowe-20100827
New York Daily News
nydailynews.com/sports/college/2010/08/21/2010-08-21_usc_looks_to_wipe_away_bush_scandal.html
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Bush
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