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REGGIE BUSH AND FAMILY FACE LAWSUIT

Section: Sports

Amy Kirk

REGGIE BUSH AND FAMILY FACE LAWSUIT: Former sports marketing company wants money back on items gifted while at USC.
November 1, 2007

*New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush and his family have been sued by the co-founder of a stalled sports marketing agency for failing to repay a number of benefits they received while the athlete played for the University of Southern California, according to a filing Tuesday in San Diego County Court.

Yahoo Sports reports that in addition to the lawsuit from New Era Sports & Entertainment, its co-founder Lloyd Lake has agreed to meet with NCAA investigators this week to discuss Bush's involvement with his company.

Tuesday's filing purports that from Nov. 2004 through Jan. 2006, Bush and his family received cash, a vehicle and shelter as well as labor, material and services tied to New Era Sports – the agency that expected to represent the USC star when he declared for the NFL draft. The suit places the total value of the benefits extended to Bush and his family at just over $291,000.

The suit also claims to have written communication from Bush that promises to repay some of the benefits, stating "On January 14, 2006, Defendant Reginald Bush – reaffirmed his commitment to repay (Lake) in a written communication."

If it is determined by the NCAA and Pac-10 Conference that Bush or his family received extra benefits, he would be in violation of NCAA rules. In accordance to NCAA bylaws, Bush's amateur status could be retroactively voided, prompting USC to forfeit games from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including its latest national championship.

Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy could also be in jeopardy. Per the language on the Heisman ballot, any winner of the award "must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student-athlete."

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