Pac-10 to investigate purchase of house involving USC's Bush

LOS ANGELES -- The Pac-10 said Sunday it will investigate the reported connection between a home where Reggie Bush's family lived and a man who sought to market the Southern California star tailback.

Bush's family allegedly lived in the house in Spring Valley, Calif., owned by a man who had sought to handle the star tailback's professional marketing while Bush was still playing for USC, Yahoo.com reported Sunday.

The Web site reported that the family moved out of the house this weekend after questions over its ownership arose.

Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, chose to turn pro after his junior season with USC. He is expected to be the No. 1 pick in Saturday's NFL Draft.

"Rather than jumping to conclusions, we need to determine the facts before commenting on this report," USC athletic director Mike Garrett said in a statement. "We have asked the Pac-10 to look into this."

Pac-10 spokesman Jim Muldoon confirmed to the Associated Press that an investigation will be held at the school's request, but had no further details.

At issue is the San Diego-area home's connection with businessman Michael Michaels, who reportedly attempted to steer Bush toward signing with San Diego agent David Caravantes, and sought to handle Bush's marketing with a new firm he had founded.

State records showed construction was completed on the home in early 2005 and Michaels purchased it for $757,500 in late March, Yahoo reported.

Neighbors told Yahoo that Bush's mother Denise Griffin, stepfather LaMar Griffin and brother Jovan Griffin moved into the home shortly after that.

In a statement to the AP early Monday morning, Wm. David Cornwell Sr., counsel for Bush and his mother and stepfather, said the running back had no connection to the house.

"Reggie Bush was a full-time student at the University of Southern California and never lived in the house," Cornwell said. "As is the case with most 20-year-old college students, Reggie was not aware of personal or financial arrangements relating to his parents or their house. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin now realize that, given Reggie's profile, their personal decisions can reflect on their son."

NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes and their families from receiving extra benefits from agents or their representatives.

Bush eventually signed with a different agent and marketing firm.