For USC running back Reggie Bush, 2005 was a magical year. Even though the Trojans lost to the Texas Longhorns within the national title contest, Bush had an All-American period for the age that gobbled up the Heisman Trophy. However, things easily took a turn for the worst. As Bush left USC for the NFL, a Reggie Bush scandal involving pro agents flared up. The NCAA Committee on Infractions came into deal with the flare-up. Bush lost his 2005 Heisman Trophy – the first time such a thing has happened within the 75-year history of the award – for accepting money and gifts from professional agents. USC also faced sanctions, as outlined by media sources.
Reggie Bush scandal comes from 3rd and 4th season’s incidents
The Scandal with Reggie Bush 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 four years. Not only that, however Southern Cal loses 30 athlete scholarships over the next three seasons. Recruits and current players are also being authorized to leave if they wish and not suffer a penalty, according to the new York Daily News. 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 a salary cap’
Coach Kiffin chided the NCAA’s ruling, saying that it creates something akin to free agency, which violates operating 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’s no cut-off date until after the final day of add-drop. It makes for a difficult situation”.
A strong start will help USC forget
USC produces quality quarterbacks, and the hope is that sophomore Matt Barkley will continue the school’s winning tradition. Barkley’s road won’t be totally smooth, however. The media can be in hot pursuit of a train wreck story from USC. 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. Kiffin heard this and promptly asked his quarterback if his statement meant that he’d be jumping early to the National football league. Barkley’s reply was half assurance that he would stay and half a “wait-and-see” proclamation.
USC may have to wait and see whether the Reggie Bush scandal has indeed rocked the giant of a team from its exalted position atop the college football beanstalk.
Further 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
