Strip Reggie, USC? It's not that simple

BCS commissioners will wait for the completion of ongoing investigations before even considering vacating Southern California's 2004 BCS title.

Former USC running back Reggie Bush accepted thousands of dollars in benefits from agents while playing for the Trojans, according to an Internet report. In question is whether Bush competed while ineligible and whether USC knew or should have known about the extra benefits.

Now a pro, only Reggie's image -- and alma mater -- can take a hit. (Getty Images)

Bush has left school and is not subject to NCAA penalties and cannot be compelled to testify by the association. Both the NCAA and Pac-10 are investigating.

BCS coordinator Mike Slive intimated in April that BCS commissioners might one day have to consider the validity of USC's title. BCS administrator Bill Hancock confirmed to SportsLine.com on Friday that issue was formally discussed during meetings five months ago in Phoenix.

"They did talk about it," Hancock said. "They're going to wait and see if the NCAA or the conference takes action. If that would affect the BCS, they're going to discuss it."

The commissioners are treading lightly because the issues are complex. The commissioners don't want to be perceived as too powerful -- stepping on the toes of the NCAA -- or powerless -- ignoring cheating in their sport. However, a source close to the situation said the commissioners would not hesitate to act if the situation is heinous enough.

The NCAA is essentially powerless to take a national championship away from a school. Division I-A football is the only NCAA sport in which the association does not sponsor a championship. As far as the Division I-A postseason is concerned, the NCAA essentially certifies bowls and sets qualification standards.

Before the BCS, the championships were "mythical," or awarded by wire services.

The "responsibility" in this case would fall on the BCS commissioners to address the validity of a title. The BCS was formed in 1998 and is essentially a series of agreements between the major conferences, major bowls and television contracts binding them together.

Whatever information uncovered by the NCAA and Pac-10 investigations might not be serious enough for the commissioners to step in. If the commissioners do step in does Oklahoma, which lost 55-19 in the 2005 Orange Bowl, then automatically assume the national championship that year?

No one affiliated with the BCS is ready to answer that question.

Another uncomfortable situation: If a BCS title was taken away, the commissioners would essentially be penalizing one of their own (Pac-10).

Currently, the Pac-10 is the only conference with an enforcement arm that investigates its member schools. Other conferences defer solely to the NCAA.

Student-athletes are considered having turned professional if they take money or other benefits from agents. While the Internet report is extensive, the NCAA cannot use that information solely to penalize a school. It must develop its own information. That might be difficult with Bush, his family and marketing agent Mike Ornstein unlikely to cooperate.

The NCAA could find USC lacked institutional control in monitoring its program. SportsLine.com reported earlier this year of the football staff's attempts to keep agents away from their players.

Offensive line coach Pat Ruel angrily cleared Heritage Hall of agents and runners in January on the day Bush declared for the NFL. Carroll warned agents about contacting his players during a pro day for NFL coaches and pro personnel.

Ornstein has denied any wrongdoing. Bush downplayed the situation when interviewed after Friday's practice with the Saints. USC issued a statement Friday saying it was cooperating with investigations. The Heisman Trust Foundation, which might consider taking Bush's 2005 trophy, had no comment.