There was a scandal just three years ago that should have rocked the world of college football, and the USC Trojans. Yes, I am talking about the Reggie Bush scandal.
Bush was a star tailback at USC. He won the Heisman trophy in 2005 and started on USC’s national championship team in 2004. However, there was substantial proof that Bush and his family accepted over $100,000 of improper benefits while still playing at USC.
But the NCAA simply slid the case under the rug, and after a while, it was like it never happened at all.
Why? Well, the answer to that question is actually pretty simple, but we’ll get to that in a little bit. Right now, let’s review all the allegations and evidence against Reggie and his family for those of you who don’t know about them, or if you forgot like the NCAA.
Two sports agencies wanted to sign Bush and handle his contracts and endorsements. They were Mike Ornstein, his current agent, and Michael Michaels and Lloyd Lane of New Era Sports and Entertainment, who were planning to make Bush their first client.
Documents and on-record interviews show that Bush and his family received benefits from Ornstein.
Reportedly, they were given round-trip tickets from San Diego to Oakland in November of 2005. They were for Bush’s step-father, LaMar Griffin, his mother Denise, and his younger brother. The family went to see Reggie play against the University of California in Berkeley.
The cost of the trip was close to $600, and the fees were charged to the account of one of Ornstein’s employees.
There was also limousine transportation provided for the family during that same weekend. The $250.65 charges were placed on the same account as the plane tickets.
Ornstein also provided suits for LaMar, and Bush’s brother to wear to the 2005 Heisman trophy ceremony. Bush’s mother also received a makeover, and the family was again given limousine transportation. There were also reports Bush’s family received $1,500 weekly.
So now you’re saying, “Well, it was just his family so he can’t be punished for that.” But NCAA by-laws strictly prohibit athletes, their families, and friends from accepting transportation, loans, or other benefits from agents.
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