JUDGMENT DAY FOR REGGIE BUSH IS APPROACHING

By Scott Daniels, Esq., NFL Draft Bible

A quiet storm has been brewing around Reggie Bush. That storm is set to explode very soon.

Several weeks ago, allegations surfaced that he accepted approximately $300 thousand dollars from an agent while at USC. These allegations, if proven in court, would not only damage Bush's reputation, but would leave a permanent scar on USC's college football dynasty in the past decade.

On February 25th, Bush is scheduled to be deposed in a civil suit filed by Llyod Lake, the agent that allegedly gave Bush thousands of dollars in the expectation that Bush would sign with him upon entering the NFL Draft. Bush chose a different agent and Lake is now seeking reimbursement.

Bush has expressly denied taking any money or gifts while at USC, but Lake and friends claim they are able to support every allegation made in their civil suit. Bush will have to account for practically every large purchase while at USC and in the event items were paid for in cash, Bush will have explain himself without putting himself in violation of NCAA rules.

Rumors have been running rampant over how much money Bush actually received and a book entiteld "Tarnished Heisman" was recently published. I can tell you personally that I am about 50 pages into this book and it's an astonishing account to say the least.

Lake claims he gave Bush money for car payments and even took care of house payments for Bush's parents. Bush and his family have denied these claims.

What's intriguing about Bush's upcoming deposition is that Bush will be subject to laws of perjury, just like in any other formal judicial proceeding. One can purjur themselves in a deposition just as they can in court. The only caveat is that following a deposition, most states allow the deposed to change their statements within a specified period of time (ex. 10 days).

If Bush acknowledges that he took money or gifts while at USC, the NCAA will be forced to unleash a massive investigation that will most likely result in Bush losing the heisman and might cost USC a few national championships.

If Bush denies the allegations but settles the lawsuit later on, it might lead people to believe that he's hiding something.

Regardless of what Bush says on February 25th, barring a settlement, a trial is imminent. In an era where lying about an investigation can land you behind bars, Bush is walking on thin ice as accusations begin leak.