A "dynasty" tarnished... - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

capitalcity · 04-29-2006, 09:47 AM

Carroll really has/had some great guys on the payroll...

Winston Justice - solicitation of prostitution, (pellet) gun charges
LenDale White - positive drug test, questionable work ethic
Reggie Bush - agentgate, questions abound
Matt Leinhart - NCAA rules violations, ruled ineligible then reinstated for Rose Bowl

Now this...

A program in turmoil
Sanchez arrest latest in a litany of troubles at USC
Posted: Friday April 28, 2006 1:27PM; Updated: Friday April 28, 2006 6:17PM

The scene, as it was described in published reports late Wednesday, read like something out of a Law and Order script: LAPD cars descending on the parking lot of an apartment complex across the street from the USC campus, there to arrest a young man accused of committing sexual assault.

For followers of the prestigious Trojans football program, the identity of the alleged culprit was nothing short of shocking: Mark Sanchez, USC's affable, curly-haired, golden-boy quarterback long ago hailed as the next Matt Leinart.

Less than three weeks earlier, the redshirt freshman was basking in the glory of an impressive performance in his first USC spring game. (He started in place of injured junior John David Booty.) On Wednesday afternoon he was being led away in handcuffs to a downtown detention center where he submitted DNA and hair samples, according to the Los Angeles Daily News, and was released early Thursday after posting a $200,000 bail, according to the Los Angles Times.

For Trojans fans, the disturbing news comes as something of a double whammy, fresh on the heels of a mini-scandal involving 2005 Heisman winner Reggie Bush. But there's a big difference. While the Bush saga has received national attention due to his status as the likely No. 1 pick in this weekend's draft, the story isn't nearly as salacious as it's been presented. As best as one can surmise from the details available, an aspiring sports marketer leased a house in San Diego to Bush's parents in hopes of landing Bush as a client. He failed and is now going public with the dirty details. Bush and his family have denied any wrongdoing. This wasn't Leigh Steinberg or Drew Rosenhaus giving out $100 handshakes in the USC locker room.

A star quarterback arrested on the suspicion of sexual assault, on the other hand, that's the story that should be sending shivers through the USC community.

In the name of fairness, let it be stated clearly and unambiguously that Sanchez has not been charged with a crime. Sanchez has been accused of sexual assault by a female student and is scheduled to appear before a judge on May 17, but police investigators are still in the very early stages of gathering evidence. (Sanchez hasn't publicly commented on the charges.) All we know from published reports is that the quarterback returned from a popular night club near campus early Wednesday morning, appearing intoxicated, according to witnesses, and that the alleged assault occurred sometime shortly thereafter.

No matter what did or didn't occur, however, the stain on both Sanchez and the USC program has already set. In light of the national uproar surrounding the Duke lacrosse scandal, Sanchez's name will undoubtedly be linked to that story in coming weeks by academics and pundits looking to espouse on the ills of big-time college athletics.

More pertinent to Sanchez's case, however, are some legitimate questions about Pete Carroll's program, questions that have been simmering under the surface for quite some time but, due to the hysteria surrounding the Trojans' quest for a third straight national title last season, were for the most part ignored.

First and foremost, does USC's widely revered head coach run too loose a ship?

While no reasonable person believes college athletes can be closely watched around the clock, the reality is that head coaches are ultimately held responsible for their players' actions. Ohio State's Jim Tressel was crucified a couple of years ago when the Buckeyes had an unusually high string of off-field transgressions. Florida State's Bobby Bowden has been answering questions for years about the often unflattering perception of his program.

Carroll, on the other hand, has remained largely unscathed despite an ever-growing litany of incidents. In 2004, police investigated a sexual assault case involving tailback Hershel Dennis. He was never charged. Tackle Winston Justice was suspended from school for a year following his arrest for brandishing a replica firearm at a student (he received three years probation). Cornerback Eric Wright, who has since transferred to UNLV, was charged with sexual assault last year (the charges were later dropped) and was suspended from school because police found 136 ecstasy pills in his apartment. And linebacker Rey Maualuga was arrested for allegedly punching a student at a Halloween party last year (no charges were filed).

Sadly, player arrests are not unusual in big time college football. What is unusual is Carroll's response to these incidents: There usually isn't one. While known for his candor with reporters when discussing most other topics -- like why he loves USC, why the Trojans are so good, and how many blue-chip recruits are lining up to play for them -- Carroll has always been notably evasive, if not downright defensive, when it comes to the subject of player discipline. His reaction to Sanchez's arrest was to issue a brief statement saying the university would handle the matter.

Carroll is an NFL guy running an NFL-style program, and part of that means a 24/7 focus on football. You don't hear many soliloquies from him about "preparing young men for life" like you do from more old-school college coaches. Whether that's actually part of the job description is open to debate.

It's no secret that USC has long operated in a far more laid-back manner than most other powerhouses. Practices are open to just about anyone. Carroll and his assistants are known to end practice by running around the field playing "football golf." Pranks, like last year's Halloween "walk-out" by running back LenDale White -- which ended with a dummy being tossed off a nearby roof -- are not uncommon.

Such antics have long been viewed in a wildly favorable light by those who cover college football, a refreshing change from the buttoned-down operations at places like Michigan and Penn State. Carroll's reputation as a "player's coach" has helped the Trojans attract No. 1 recruiting classes year after year. But has his seemingly unconditional support of his players gone too far?

Many feel the Trojans' head man set a dangerous precedent last season when he never officially reprimanded Maualuga -- who, it should be noted, was also dealing with the illness of his father, who died on Jan. 2 from cancer. Carroll, the toast of both L.A. and national media since engineering USC's resurgence, received only mild criticism at the time about his handling of the situation (one Daily News columnist did take him to task), but his laissez-faire approach did not go unnoticed on campus, where students who attended the party and witnessed Maualuga's punch were stunned to see him receive no discernible punishment. Meanwhile, Wright was suspended from the team but never dismissed; he transferred of his own accord. And Justice's suspension came from the university, not the football program.

One alarming note is that the alleged cases involving Dennis, Wright and Sanchez all took place at the same apartment complex, Cardinal Gardens, where many of the Trojans' freshman football players live. Because of the limited number of residence halls on USC's campus, approximately 1,000 freshmen live in university-operated apartment complexes that, like Cardinal Gardens, are within walking distance to campus but also to fraternity row and the popular 901 Club, which, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Sanchez entered using a fake ID only a couple of hours prior to the alleged incident.

For those who know Sanchez, news of his arrest was downright astonishing. Groomed since youth to be a quarterback by his father, Nick, a former high school quarterback and a constant presence at Trojans practices last season, and older brothers Nick and Brandon, both former college quarterbacks themselves, the Orange County native is friendly and articulate. By all accounts he is a model student and teammate. Rightly or wrongly, however, his reputation has now been irreparably tarnished. So, too, has USC's.

capitalcity · 04-29-2006, 09:55 AM

This don't look good either...

Lawyer shares February letter with newspaper
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- The parents of Southern California football star Reggie Bush received $100,000 in cash from investors in a sports marketing company that hoped to sign the running back, an attorney for the investors said in a letter obtained by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Attorney Brian Watkins told the newspaper on Friday that Bush's parents, LaMar and Denise Griffin, asked for the money partly to resolve financial problems. Watkins said the money included an initial payment of about $30,000 to help start up the New Era Sports and Entertainment agency.

Watkins said the money was disbursed throughout 2005 and was given on more than one occasion at the home of Lloyd Lake, an investor in the company and a documented gang member. Watkins described him as a longtime friend of the Heisman Trophy winner.

Watkins described the $100,000 in disbursements in a letter dated Feb. 13 in which he asked David Cornwell, the Bush family's attorney, if USC should be included in settlement discussions.

"We would not object to their [USC's] participation as we understand their wanting to be involved due to the fact this matter was ongoing during their Championship season of 2004 as well as the entire season of 2005, and any lawsuit filed might have an adverse effect on them," Watkins' letter said.

USC spokesman Tim Tessalone said he was unaware of the letter and declined comment.

The content of the letter was reported hours after the Houston Texans, who have first overall selection in Saturday's draft, passed on Bush and signed North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams.

Watkins said earlier this week that Bush's parents didn't pay $54,000 in rent during the year they lived in a house owned by a sports marketing agency investor who wanted to represent the football star.

The money dispute began after Bush signed with another agent and marketing representative, ending any chance of a deal with New Era.

Bush's mother and stepfather had agreed to pay landlord Michael Michaels $4,500 in monthly rent when they moved into the Spring Valley house Michaels bought for $757,000 in March 2005. Michaels said the Griffins told him they eventually would pay him rent from Bush's earnings when he went pro.

Also Friday, agent David Caravantes, who is under investigation by the NFL Players Association for his role in the housing arrangement, said he has had nothing to do with the Southern California star.

Caravantes told The Associated Press he is unaware of the investigation, adding: "I have had no involvement with Reggie Bush. The truth will come out."

Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA, confirmed Friday that the probe of Caravantes has begun.

Watkins, who represents Lake and Michaels, said Bush's family defrauded his clients out of $300,000 over 1½ years using "the carrot" of Bush's future football career as an enticement.

Bush, who signed with agent Joel Segal, said he believes the matter will be cleared up in a few weeks.

"I've got to get back to football," he said. "My life is parallel to a horse race. They have blinders on to keep them from being distracted in the race and keep them focused on winning the race. That's kind of like my life. Focus on the goal, not the things coming at me from the side."

Watkins sent the player's parents an eviction notice on April 3, and they moved out of the house last week. Bush has said his parents left because they found another place to live.

Watkins said he plans to file a fraud lawsuit against Bush's parents and possibly Bush.

David Cornwell, the Bush family attorney, did not return phone calls for comment.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement Friday, "Based on the information presented by Reggie Bush's attorney, our office has advised the attorney to consider referring these matters to law enforcement authorities."

The NCAA is investigating whether the living arrangement violated rules prohibiting student-athletes and their families from receiving extra benefits from agents or their representatives.

dirno2000 · 04-29-2006, 11:20 AM

"We would not object to their [USC's] participation as we understand their wanting to be involved due to the fact this matter was ongoing during their Championship season of 2004 as well as the entire season of 2005, and any lawsuit filed might have an adverse effect on them," Watkins' letter said.

-------------

I'd hate to see OU come out of this thing with another National Championship...especially since Auburn was unbeaten that season.

Five-ofan · 05-23-2006, 04:04 PM

USC wasnt ever a dynasty unless you want to consider UT a dynasty. USC won 1 title. Thats it. They werent ever a dynasty.

SaltwaterChaffy · 05-23-2006, 04:32 PM

I agree that they only won 1 title.

But any team that strings together 35+ wins can be considered a dynasty.

Five-ofan · 05-25-2006, 12:54 PM

True my point was just that they werent ever going for a 3peat. Plus there is a decent chance UT gets to 30 straight wins this year. I doubt seriously they win the national title but every game they play is winnable.

Five-ofan · 05-25-2006, 12:54 PM

That and they have won like 32 of their last 33.

capitalcity · 09-15-2006, 12:08 AM

... NCAA by-law 12.3.1.2 states that an athlete shall be deemed ineligible if he or she accepts benefits from agents or marketing representatives. The rule further states that student-athletes, their family or friends cannot receive benefits or loans from agents. Additionally, NCAA by-law 12.1.2.1.6 states that athletes cannot receive preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual's athletics reputation or skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete, unless such treatment, benefits or services are specifically permitted under NCAA legislation.

The NCAA launched an investigation into Bush's eligibility in April after Yahoo! Sports reported that Bush's family had not paid rent after living for a year in a home owned by Michaels. A Pac-10 investigation followed.

If the NCAA rules that Bush received extra benefits during his playing career at USC, he could be ruled retroactively ineligible. Since some of the benefits date back to the 2004 season, the Trojans' national championship that season could be rescinded. USC could face further NCAA sanctions and Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy could be in jeopardy. The Heisman ballot indicates that an athlete must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to be considered for college football's most prestigious award...

yahoo sports juicy exclusive

nashtymavsfan13 · 09-15-2006, 01:28 AM

Could someone please explain to me what's the big deal that he got extra benefits? It seems like it's a lot of hoopla over something that doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me.

alby · 09-15-2006, 02:33 AM

could be = won't be

capitalcity · 09-15-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashtymavsfan13

Could someone please explain to me what's the big deal that he got extra benefits? It seems like it's a lot of hoopla over something that doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me.

Dude - have you gone f'n Tom Cruise? One too many ESPN auditing sessions?

The "big deal" is that cheating is kinda frowned upon.

capitalcity · 09-15-2006, 06:20 AM

Stealing money from multiple sources,
Cheating the system,
Lying to cover-up the infractions.

REGGIE BUSH

April 24, 2006 "When this is all said and done, everybody will see at the end of the day that we've done nothing – absolutely nothing wrong." … In an interview with ESPN, Bush responds to questions about his parents living in a house owned by New Era Sports financier Michael Michaels.

April 24, 2006 "Absolutely 100 percent not concerned." … Bush also tells ESPN he is not worried that USC might be punished for his family's financial ties to a sports agency.

April 26, 2006 "It would be very unprofessional for me to speak on that if I don't know all the details on it. I think it's best for me, obviously, to find out all the information and make sure everything I know is true before I speak on that." … In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Bush comments on his family's financial ties to a sports agency.

April 26, 2006 "Obviously not. I was in Los Angeles trying to help my team win the national championship." … Bush answers the Los Angeles Times' questions over whether he knew the financial details of his parents' living arrangements.

April 27, 2006 "I'm confident and I know what the truth is. I know for a fact that everything is fine and this is all blown out of proportion and there's more to the story than is being told right now." … At a pre-draft meeting with reporters in New York City, Bush responds to further questions about his family's financial ties to New Era Sports.

April 27, 2006 "I've got to get back to football. My life is parallel to a horse race. They have blinders on to keep them from being distracted in the race and keep them focused on winning the race. That's kind of like my life. Focus on the goal, not the things coming at me from the side." … At the same pre-draft meeting with reporters, Bush answers questions about his family's living arrangements.

April 27, 2006 "I'd hope he is. I think he trusts me in my decisions and the type of person I am, and the decisions I make on and off the football field. I think it was important he heard it from my mouth." … Before the draft in New York, Bush also talks about whether USC coach Pete Carroll was satisfied with his explanation about the Bush family's living arrangements.

May 20, 2006 "A so-called lawsuit. I know how it's going to turn out." … Bush explains to the Los Angeles Times that he has been advised by his lawyer, David Cornwell, not to speak to NCAA and Pac-10 investigators while a civil suit from New Era Sports continues to be threatened.

PETE CARROLL (USC head coach)

April 26, 2006 "I'm on my kids at every turn, every day, doing whatever I can to keep outside influences from clouding their thought processes." … Carroll talks to the Los Angeles Times about his effort to maintain a clean program.

April 26, 2006 "Think back to when you were in school. Did you know how your parents paid the mortgage?" … Carroll responds to the Los Angeles Times' question over whether Bush knew of his parents' arrangements while living in a house owned by a marketing agent.

May 2, 2006 "With the little bits of information that I have, no, I'm not worried about that one bit. I'm more concerned about helping the process and cooperating to make sure that everything comes to the front. I'm confident that's not where this is going." … In an interview with USA Today and the Associated Press, Carroll talks about the possibility of USC forfeiting games or being hit with NCAA sanctions.

May 2, 2006 "It looks to me like a classic case of people trying to create some kind of opportunity based on another person's good fortune. To me, it looks like somebody was out to get Reggie's money. I don't see it any other way." … Carroll also tells USA Today and the AP his thoughts on whether the living arrangements for Bush's parents look like a case of extra benefits.

LAMAR GRIFFIN (Bush's stepfather)

April 24, 2006 "I have a lawyer to talk about that. I'm not even going to put my mouth on it." … In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaMar Griffin responds to questions about living in a house owned by New Era Sports financier Michael Michaels.

DENISE GRIFFIN (Bush's mother)

April 19, 2006 "I have absolutely nothing to say." … Denise Griffin keeps quiet after being approached by Yahoo! Sports at the Spring Valley, Calif., home owned by Michaels and is questioned about ties to New Era Sports.

They said it

capitalcity · 09-19-2006, 10:05 PM

Commentary by ABC's Musburger irks USC

04:02 PM CDT on Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Southern California formally complained that ABC-TV's Brent Musburger revealed privileged information in play-by-play commentary during Saturday's game against Nebraska.

The university sent a letter to ESPN, which oversees sports programming on ABC, saying Musburger, with less than 10 minutes to play and the Trojans leading 21-10, began describing how USC quarterback John David Booty lets receivers know he has spotted a certain kind of coverage.

"John David told us that his signal when he finds one-on-one and they're coming, it's that 'hang loose,' that familiar sign you've seen surfers use," said Musburger, referring to the sign where the thumb and little finger are raised.

USC sports information director Tim Tessalone sent a formal complaint to ESPN/ABC game producer Bill Bonnell on Monday and sent a copy to the Pacific-10 conference office.

"We're supposed to be partners in this, but this is certainly going to make us think twice about trying to help them have as good a broadcast as possible," Tessalone said. "What he did was unconscionable."

Last Friday, announcers and producers met with coaches and star players as part of their game preparation. During the meeting, there was discussion about how a replay of the Ohio State-Texas broadcast showed Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith tapping the top of his helmet to let receiver Ted Ginn Jr. know he's noticed one-on-one coverage.

Booty was asked if Southern California had a similar signal, and Booty told Musburger about his "hang loose" signal.

"We are very mindful of what we learn in pregame meetings in terms in what is appropriate for broadcast and what is for our background. We're sorry this led to an unfortunate misunderstanding, which was never our intention," ESPN said in a statement released by spokesman Josh Krulewitz.

Musburger said in a statement late Monday that the network regretted the confusion.

Five-ofan · 09-19-2006, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capitalcity

Commentary by ABC's Musburger irks USC

04:02 PM CDT on Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Southern California formally complained that ABC-TV's Brent Musburger revealed privileged information in play-by-play commentary during Saturday's game against Nebraska.

The university sent a letter to ESPN, which oversees sports programming on ABC, saying Musburger, with less than 10 minutes to play and the Trojans leading 21-10, began describing how USC quarterback John David Booty lets receivers know he has spotted a certain kind of coverage.

"John David told us that his signal when he finds one-on-one and they're coming, it's that 'hang loose,' that familiar sign you've seen surfers use," said Musburger, referring to the sign where the thumb and little finger are raised.

USC sports information director Tim Tessalone sent a formal complaint to ESPN/ABC game producer Bill Bonnell on Monday and sent a copy to the Pacific-10 conference office.

"We're supposed to be partners in this, but this is certainly going to make us think twice about trying to help them have as good a broadcast as possible," Tessalone said. "What he did was unconscionable."

Last Friday, announcers and producers met with coaches and star players as part of their game preparation. During the meeting, there was discussion about how a replay of the Ohio State-Texas broadcast showed Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith tapping the top of his helmet to let receiver Ted Ginn Jr. know he's noticed one-on-one coverage.

Booty was asked if Southern California had a similar signal, and Booty told Musburger about his "hang loose" signal.

"We are very mindful of what we learn in pregame meetings in terms in what is appropriate for broadcast and what is for our background. We're sorry this led to an unfortunate misunderstanding, which was never our intention," ESPN said in a statement released by spokesman Josh Krulewitz.

Musburger said in a statement late Monday that the network regretted the confusion.

This is retarded. If you dont want it on tv, dont tell it to the Announcers.

Flacolaco · 09-20-2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashtymavsfan13

Could someone please explain to me what's the big deal that he got extra benefits? It seems like it's a lot of hoopla over something that doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me.

Just let the Texas homers beat up on USC.

Also, yes USC is F'ing stupid to tell the ABC anouncers stuff like that and not expect it to get repeated.....

Five-ofan · 09-20-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Just let the Texas homers beat up on USC.

Also, yes USC is F'ing stupid to tell the ABC anouncers stuff like that and not expect it to get repeated.....

oh Im quite certain UT pays athletes. Its either extreme nievity or stupidity to believe that everyone else pays and you dont yet you can still recruit as well or better than they can. Its not the cheating itself that is frowned upon. Its the getting caught.

Nemesis · 09-20-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashtymavsfan13

Could someone please explain to me what's the big deal that he got extra benefits? It seems like it's a lot of hoopla over something that doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me.

I guess we shoud be able to do anything we want. No matter what the rule books say. Hell, why does it matter that a player runs out of bounds? It isn't hurting anybody if he goes in the stands then runs into the endzone. Stupid rules.

Flacolaco · 09-20-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Five-ofan

oh Im quite certain UT pays athletes. Its either extreme nievity or stupidity to believe that everyone else pays and you dont yet you can still recruit as well or better than they can. Its not the cheating itself that is frowned upon. Its the getting caught.

Maybe some Jose Canseco-eque moron will write a book about it.

I hate to think the kids are involved in stuff like this. I just want to enjoy football games on the weekends and keep these sorts of things out of mind....it's becoming increasingly difficult to seperate any kind of football from money...

Five-ofan · 09-20-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Maybe some Jose Canseco-eque moron will write a book about it.

I hate to think the kids are involved in stuff like this. I just want to enjoy football games on the weekends and keep these sorts of things out of mind....it's becoming increasingly difficult to seperate any kind of football from money...

to be honest i just dont think about it. I have quite a few friends who play D1 football(i played with or against about half of the big 12 in HS) I think a couple of them get paid and know for certain one does but i dont really care. Plus one thing that alot of non football people think is cheating and complain about is the stipend. Just about every D1 football player gets a $300 a month stipend plus $10 game day per diem. That is not illegal in anyway.

Five-ofan · 09-20-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Maybe some Jose Canseco-eque moron will write a book about it.

I hate to think the kids are involved in stuff like this. I just want to enjoy football games on the weekends and keep these sorts of things out of mind....it's becoming increasingly difficult to seperate any kind of football from money...

I give you maurice clarett

alby · 09-21-2006, 09:03 AM

he'll definitely have alot of time to write one

capitalcity · 09-21-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alby

he'll definitely have alot of time to write one

...and learn how to read it.

capitalcity · 09-21-2006, 01:52 PM

Reggie Bush Claims He Made $100,000 Through USC Work-Study Program

September 21, 2006 | Onion Sports

NEW ORLEANS—Saints running back and former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush refuted charges Monday that he accepted gifts, money, and other benefits exceeding $100,000 in value while playing football for the University of Southern California, claiming he earned that money "fair and square through constant hard work" at various on-campus work-study jobs.
Enlarge ImageReggie Bush R

"During my time at USC, I managed not only to carry a full 12-unit course load every semester while playing Division I football, but I also worked as many as 15 simultaneous work-study jobs that allowed me the opportunity to provide food, clothing, and shelter for my family with a little spending money left over," Bush said, reading from a prepared statement at the Saints training facility. Bush also added that, on average, the university's work-study jobs paid $6.50 an hour. "I did not, I repeat, did not earn a dime for my play on the field."

Bush added: "I used the same focus, intensity, and relentless effort to shelve over 450,000 books as a librarian's assistant at the East Asian Library, Gerontology Library, and Hoose Library Of Philosophy that I did to help lead the Trojans to the 2004 national championship."

According to Bush, the librarian's assistant jobs, along with transporting television sets, DVD players, and overhead projectors across the campus for the school's audio-visual department, allowed Bush to purchase new suits for his stepfather and brother, a makeover for his mother, and limousine service to and from the Downtown Athletic Club for his Heisman Trophy ceremony.

"Whenever I would show a clip and the sound wouldn't work, it was always Reggie who would sprint the 40 yards from the audio-visual center in 4.2 seconds flat," said history professor Niles Langford. "And since I'm a real dumbbell with these electronics, believe me, he earned his money."

Bush said that he was able to purchase a 45-inch high-definition flat-screen television, rent his posh downtown apartment, and buy his friends the newest pair of Air Jordans by "working [his] butt off at the Carl's Jr. in the student union, taking lecture notes for disabled students six times a week, and working the Sunday-morning shift as a security guard at Trojan Hall."

"Reggie paid strict attention to those who entered and exited the dorm, making sure the guest policy was upheld and honored," said dorm supervisor Alex Valinsky. "Under his watch, nearly 17,000 guest violations were recorded."

"Easily a school record," Valinsky added. "Better even than O.J.'s work guarding faculty parking."

In addition, Bush said he worked after football practice from midnight until 5 a.m. for USC's Campus Cruiser Program, in which students who were out late and fearful of their general safety could call Bush's brand-new Motorola Razr cellular phone and be driven back to their dormitories in Bush's 2005 Cadillac Escalade with headrest television monitors.

"He was always very kind, polite, and never asked any embarrassing questions about what we had been doing," said USC junior Rebecca Meuthing, adding that in each of the nearly 1,160 times he escorted her home, Bush waited outside the dormitory listening to the newest rap CDs until he was sure she got in safely. "Sometimes we talked about football, but he mostly talked about how, after he dropped me off, he had to get to his work-study job entering grades into the USC School of Architecture database."

The money from that particular job, Bush insists, went a long way in providing his relatives with round-trip airfare so they could watch him compete on game day.

The biggest charge against Bush—the question of his family's ability to move from their small San Diego apartment to a $757,000 home in Spring Valley during Bush's junior year—could, according to Bush, be explained by his "cushy" job in the Student Activities Office, which Bush admits was "pretty easy," saying he "literally did nothing for $11 an hour."

"When I find the shoebox with all of my time sheets and pay stubs, I will be vindicated of any wrongdoing," Bush's statement concluded. "Unfortunately, most of these hundreds of boxes seem to contain new pairs of shoes, but they have to turn up sooner or later."

Trojans head coach Pete Carroll, who took reporters' questions as an opportunity to praise his former running back's "impeccable work ethic," said he was unaware the running back was making so much money, adding that he assumed the Hummer limousine in which Bush arrived at practice every day was simply provided by his agent.

#1MavsFan · 09-21-2006, 02:02 PM

wow that does seem like a lot of jobs.. but $100,000 worth? i dont know