Reggie Bush trial date set

SAN DIEGO – A judge today set a March 2009 trial date for the civil lawsuit against Reggie Bush.

Would-be sports agent Lloyd Lake has alleged that he gave money and gifts to Bush as part of a business deal the former USC tailback subsequently backed out of.

At a morning hearing, Superior Court Judge Joan M. Lewis admonished attorneys to stop bickering and communicate among themselves better. She would not allow them to leave until they had agreed upon dates to depose Bush, his parents and Lake.

The attorneys convened in an anteroom, returned to court where they argued again and were sent back to talk further.

“You folks are not leaving this courthouse until you come up with dates,” Lewis said.

The judge said she was not inclined to make the deposition transcripts confidential.

The transcripts could play an important role in an NCAA investigation into whether Bush accepted improper benefits while playing at USC. He won the 2005 Heisman Trophy and now plays for the New Orleans Saints.

Lewis also asked the lawyers to consider a settlement meeting.

David.wharton@latimes.com