USC cuts ties with Bush after sanctions

[The Franchise]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...rn-his-heisman

USC cuts ties to Bush after sanctions, will return his Heisman

Reggie Bush rushed for 3,169 yards during three seasons at USC, won the 2005 Heisman Trophy and helped the Trojans claim the 2004 BCS national championship.

After the NCAA heavily sanctioned the school for Bush's reported dealings with prospective agents, USC is trying to erase the running back from its past.

USC president-elect C.L. Max Nikias announced Tuesday in a letter addressed to "Members of the USC Trojan Family" that the school will return Bush's award to the Heisman Trophy Trust and remove "all jerseys and murals" that recognize the running back's college career by mid-August.
"The Trojan Family honors and respects the USC sporting careers of those persons whose actions did not compromise their athletic program or the opportunities of future USC student-athletes," Nikias wrote in the letter.

Nikias also announced that former USC star Pat Haden will replace Michael Garrett as the school's athletic director, effective Aug. 3. Haden played with the then-Los Angeles Rams from 1976 to 1981.

The NCAA's report, released June 10, concluded that Bush and his family accepted improper benefits from marketing agents while he played for USC.

As a result, the NCAA ruled that USC would have to vacate victories from late 2004 through the 2005 season, a period that included the Trojans' national title victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl in January 2005. USC also was penalized with a two-year bowl ban and a loss of 30 scholarships over a three-year period.

Bush, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints, didn't admit any wrongdoing in public comments last month, but he expressed regret over the situation.

"This thing, regarding USC and the NCAA, is the closest thing to death without dying because I have such a great love and respect for the university," Bush said. "This has been one the toughest things I've had to deal with in my life."

Pete Carroll, who went 97-19 with two national titles in nine years as the Trojans' coach, has denied any knowledge of Bush's dealings with agents. He left USC in January to return to the NFL and coach the Seattle Seahawks.

"I do feel responsible being connected with it," Carroll said of USC's troubles. "I've also felt a responsibility, with the way it's come down, to work to try to get the message out there and defend somewhat."

[Gadzooks]

Mecca - time to root for San Jose State. You'll just have to get used to the new colors and lack of foul play...

[Demonpenz]

The kicker ended up being the real team captain

[Mecca]

The penalty is far more severe than a slap on the wrist, are you guys reeruns or do you just play them on the forum?

[the Talking Can]

Originally Posted by Mecca

The penalty is far more severe than a slap on the wrist, are you guys reeruns or do you just play them on the forum?

usc is guilty and deserves it, and Carroll is a lying scumbag....you ****ing reerun

[Brock]

Originally Posted by Mecca

The penalty is far more severe than a slap on the wrist, are you guys reeruns or do you just play them on the forum?

[DaneMcCloud]

Pat Haden's the new AD and the NCAA will LOVE that hire.

I'm betting the sentence gets reduced, big time. The NCAA isn't stupid and they know that USC is a cash cow.

And regardless of what you outsiders think, USC is going no where. They'll be ranked in the top ten this year and challenge for a national title next year.

And I'm not a USC fan, I'm just an informed football observer.

[LaChapelle]

Sanchez is USC's last chance
for Carrol to have mattered

[WilliamTheIrish]

Originally Posted by Mecca

The penalty is far more severe than a slap on the wrist, are you guys reeruns or do you just play them on the forum?

It's an absolute slap on the wrist. The penalties could have and in reality should have been vacating any wins and any hardware associated with them.

Bush was being paid (which I have zero issue with) with the full knowledge of the staff and AD and anybody who could see beyond their basement walls. You're rationalization is shortsighted and pretty much stupid.

[Molitoth]

Regardless of what happened.... USC still went out on the field and whooped ass.

Taking away wins is silly. Stupid NCAA.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

It's an absolute slap on the wrist. The penalties could have and in reality should have been vacating any wins and any hardware associated with them.

Bush was being paid (which I have zero issue with) with the full knowledge of the staff and AD and anybody who could see beyond their basement walls. You're rationalization is shortsighted and pretty much stupid.

While mecca's butthurt is clearly showing, I would say that the penalty is more than a slap on the wrist.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Regardless of what happened.... USC still went out on the field and whooped ass.

Taking away wins is silly. Stupid NCAA.

Yeah, that is stupid.

But the post season ban for the next two years is what hurts them.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by milkman

While mecca's butthurt is clearly showing, I would say that the penalty is more than a slap on the wrist.

yep i agree here.

[Extra Point]

Seattle GM Bill Lumberg would say:

"Uh, mmm, Pete. We need you to, uhmm, plan for, mm, settling into another, uhmm, location, after this season. Okay?"

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Extra Point

Seattle GM Bill Lumberg would say:

"Uh, mmm, Pete. We need you to, uhmm, plan for, mm, settling into another, uhmm, location, after this season. Okay?"

"I'm going to need those TPS Rep...I mean Playbooks ASAP"