Report: Bush to give sworn deposition
editor1 |Jan 25,2008
|
|
|
LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Reggie Bush will provide a sworn
deposition next month as the investigation into his relationship
with a failed sports marketing company continues, according to
a published report Friday.
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Bush must answer
questions relating to allegations that he and his family
received cash and gifts while he was a student-athlete at
Southern California.
A transcript of Bush's statements could then be reviewed by the
NCAA, which could impose sanctions on USC if it deems that Bush
received improper benefits. The Heisman Trust could also strip
Bush of his 2005 Heisman Trophy.
According to the Times, attorney Brian Watkins said his client,
Lloyd Lake, identified as a general partner in the New Era
Sports & Entertainment agency, is to give a deposition on
February 12.
Watkins added that Bush could be called to provide testimony "at
the conclusion of Lloyd's, probably the next day."
He said that Bush has not agreed to provide testimony but could
face sanctions - including fines - if he fails to show.
"I'm going to ask him about everything: His involvement in this
company, why he reneged (as a client), why he refuses to pay
back the money for his parents' housing, the hotel rooms, the
cash, the helicopter ride Lloyd gave his family in San Diego,"
Watkins told the paper.
New Era Sports & Entertainment was founded by Lake and San Diego
businessman Michael Michaels.
Bush allegedly received nearly $300,000 in cash, rent and gifts
by the company, as Lake and Michaels believed he would sign with
them when he turned pro.
But New Era lost Bush when he signed with agent Joel Segal and
marketing agent Mike Ornstein in January 2006. Three months
later, Yahoo Sports first revealed allegations that Bush and his
family received extra benefits.
A newly-published book on the affair, "Tarnished Heisman,"
includes transcripts of recorded conversations in which Bush
appears to acknowledge owing money to New Era.
Bush and USC could face penalties from the NCAA and Pac-10
Conference, which are conducting ongoing investigations into
reports of extra benefits. In jeopardy could be USC's national
title in 2004 and Bush's Heisman Trophy the following season.
The second overall selection in the 2006 NFL draft, Bush enjoyed
a phenomenal rookie season, helping the Saints reach the NFC
championship game for the first time in team history.
However, he struggled through a somewhat disappointing second
season with the Saints, rushing for 581 yards and four
touchdowns while hauling in 73 receptions for 417 yards and two
scores.
|
|
Print
E-mail
Del.icio.us
Digg
