Scandal With Reggie Bush Takes Heisman Away
In 2005, the story of Reggie Bush at USC might be summed up within the phrase “five yards and a cloud of dust,” such was the running back’s dominance afield. Bush’s gridiron excellence – which earned him the Heisman Trophy – wasn’t enough to carry his team past Texas within the title game, however his brilliance was evident. Little did University of Southern California know that they’d ultimately suffer an even greater defeat. The NCAA Committee on Infractions brought the hammer down. The Reggie Bush scandal born of shady deals with pro agents during Bush’s college career broke. For violating NCAA rules by accepting cash and illegal gifts from sports agents while nevertheless an amateur athlete, media sources report that Reggie Bush has become the first player in the 75-year history of the award to have his Heisman Trophy taken away. USC also faced sanctions, according to media sources.
Reggie Bush scandal stems from junior and senior season occurrences
The Reggie Bush scandal played out over 4 suspicion-soaked years. It took that long for the group to analyze evidence surrounding the bribes agents offered Bush and his family. USC has been placed on four years of probation, which eliminates the team from bowl game contention those seasons. In addition, the university loses 30 athletic scholarships over the next three years. Recruits and current players are also being authorized to leave if they wish and not suffer a penalty, as outlined by the newest York Daily News. Some players have jumped ship and more may follow, leaving new USC head coach Lane Kiffin with his work cut out for him.
‘Like free agency without a 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 are 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,” Kiffin told the media. “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”.
A strong start will help University of Southern California forget
Southern California has made a habit of sending talented quarterbacks to the NFL in recent years, and the program hopes for more of the very same with sophomore Matt Barkley. Barkley’s road won’t be completely smooth, however. The media can be in hot pursuit of a train wreck story from USC. Barkley is realistic about the situation, however. He told the Daily News that “I signed (at USC) because it was the best chance for me to get to the league”. 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 can 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
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