May 10, 2010

NCAA to release findings in USC case this week?

Yahoo Sports reporter Dan Wetzel tweeted that the NCAA is expected to release its findings this week on a four-year investigation of improper benefits to USC players.

For those of you who may have forgotten, the allegations center largely on payouts given to the family of Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. According to Yahoo Sports investigations in 2006 and 2007, the Bush family received more than $280,000 in cash, gifts, and free rent while Bush was a student at USC from agents hoping to represent Bush. Bush himself is also alleged to have received cash during his playing days with the Trojans.

For more background on the investigations, click here to search the Fanblogs archives.

While the NCAA has full discretion in any penalties, speculation has already begun on potential sanctions.

Hometown reporter Chis Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times predicts USC will receive a five-year bowl probation, a bowl ban, and loss of 21 scholarships, a penalty reminiscent of those levied on Alabama resulting from the Albert Means investigation.

Of course, there real question may be in how the investigation impacts Bush's eligibility at USC. If Bush is ruled to have been ineligible under NCAA by-law 12.3.1.2, USC could be required to forfiet games in which Bush played, including the Trojans 2004 National Championship season.

Whatever the outcome, we should hear the initial findings by Friday.

Posted by Kevin Donahue

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NCAA to release findings in USC case this week?
Yahoo Sports reporter Dan Wetzel tweeted that the NCAA is expected to release its findings this week on a four-year investigation of improper benefits to USC players. For those of you who may have forgotten, the allegations center largely on payouts given to the family of Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. According to Yahoo Sports investigations in 2006 and 2007, the Bush family received more than $280,000 in cash, gifts, and free rent while Bush was a student at USC from agents hoping to represent Bush. Bush himself is also alleged to have received cash during his playing days with the Trojans. For more background on the investigations, click here to search the Fanblogs archives. While the NCAA has full discretion in any penalties, speculation has already begun on potential sanctions. Hometown reporter Chis Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times predicts USC will receive a five-year bowl probation, a bowl ban, and loss of 21 scholarships, a penalty reminiscent of those levied on Alabama resulting from the Albert Means investigation. Of course, there real question may be in how the investigation impacts Bush's eligibility at USC. If Bush is ruled to have been ineligible under NCAA by-law 12.3.1.2, USC could be required to forfiet games in which Bush played, including the Trojans 2004 National Championship season. Whatever the outcome, we should hear the initial findings by Friday.