NCAA set to meet with key figure in Bush case

The meeting is scheduled for today, a would-be San Diego sports marketer sitting down with NCAA investigators to discuss allegations that he supplied Reggie Bush with cash and gifts while the star tailback was still in college.

Lloyd Lake, part of a fledgling agency that was designed around Bush as its first client, has filed a civil lawsuit alleging that he and a former business partner gave more than $291,600 in payments, lodging and other accommodations to Bush and his family from November 2004 to January 2006.

While the lawsuit wends its way through the courts, the NCAA is pursuing an investigation into whether Bush violated eligibility rules. If so, he could be deemed retroactively ineligible and USC could face sanctions.

But connecting USC to violations could be difficult even if the NCAA finds that Bush broke the rules.

The NCAA and Pacific 10 Conference must prove that USC coaches or administrators knew or should have known about the alleged violations, most of which would have occurred in San Diego, hours from campus.

That leaves investigators to search for a “smoking gun” that links USC to such knowledge. Even the attorneys representing Lake and his partner, Michael Michaels, have wondered whether that connection exists.

Last January, Lake’s attorney, Brian Watkins, said USC running backs coach Todd McNair socialized with his client on one or more occasions but might not have known about any business arrangements. Michaels’ attorney, Jordan Cohen, said that in researching the case he found “no information or indication that USC had actual knowledge of any of this.”

Still, with most of the principals -- including Bush -- refusing to cooperate so far, the filing of the lawsuit represents a significant development. The NCAA has no power of subpoena, so its investigators sometimes rely on court documents to gather evidence.

The interview with Lake, which was postponed after originally being scheduled for last Friday, could give them even more. Watkins said his client would provide documents and other evidence showing that Bush knowingly took cash and gifts.

Additional allegations involving Bush and his marketing agent, Mike Ornstein, also could come into play.

If investigators eventually make a connection to USC, the situation becomes even more complex.

The Trojans could be forced to forfeit victories from either the 2004 or 2005 seasons, or both. Their Bowl Championship Series title for the 2004 season is another matter.

The NCAA has no jurisdiction over the BCS, so rescinding the trophy would be left to the BCS conferences and Notre Dame. Bill Hancock, the BCS administrator, said conference commissioners would consider taking action only after the NCAA completes its investigation.

“They’re still waiting,” Hancock said.

Also, there is the issue of Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy.

The language on the Heisman ballot states, “The recipient must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student athlete.” Bush would not be in compliance if he were deemed ineligible.

Tim Henning said the board of trustees for the Heisman Trophy Trust would not comment until the NCAA investigation is complete.

As for Bush, he is a second-year running back for the New Orleans Saints and well beyond the jurisdiction of the NCAA.

Last spring, he reached a private settlement with Michaels, reportedly for between $200,000 and $300,000. The new lawsuit asks for not only $291,600 but also legal fees and “other relief as the court deems proper and just.”

Bush’s attorney, David Cornwell, has vowed to fight the suit “vigorously.”

Cornwell has argued that Lake, a convicted felon who has been in and out of prison, has no credibility. Others close to the player have alleged that Lake violated state law by improperly acting as Bush’s agent.

Such a violation would have no bearing on the NCAA’s investigation.

Last week, USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett was asked whether he had any concerns about recent developments in San Diego.

“None,” he said.

Times staff writer Gary Klein contributed to this report.

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david.wharton@latimes.com