Lake, NCAA officials meet

A would-be sports marketer met with NCAA investigators Tuesday to discuss allegations that he gave cash and gifts to Reggie Bush while the star tailback was playing for USC.

Lloyd Lake spoke with investigators at the Pasadena office of one of his attorneys, a source said. The session lasted into the evening.

Brian Watkins, another of Lake’s attorneys, said: “I cannot confirm or deny that the meeting took place.”

Watkins had previously said his client would provide documents and other evidence to NCAA investigators bolstering allegations that Lake provided more than $291,600 in cash, lodging and additional considerations to Bush and his parents during a period that stretched from November 2004 to January 2006.

Bush has said that neither he nor his family did anything wrong.

Meanwhile, USC was not invited to attend the meeting Tuesday, a top administrator said.

“We have repeatedly requested to be included in all interviews and all aspects of the investigation,” said Todd Dickey, USC senior vice president and general counsel. “We were not given the opportunity to participate.”

The NCAA had previously declined to comment on the investigation.

Lake also has filed a civil lawsuit in a San Diego court, alleging the benefits were provided to Bush and his family in relation to an erstwhile agency, New Era Sports & Entertainment, that Lake and former partner Michael Michaels hoped to launch with the star athlete as their first client.

Michaels reached an out-of-court settlement with Bush last spring. Bush’s attorney, David Cornwell, has vowed to fight Lake’s suit.

Watkins said that he hoped to depose Bush, now a second-year running back with the New Orleans Saints, at some point in the next 30 days.

If Bush is found to have violated NCAA rules, the USC football program could face sanctions, including the forfeiture of past victories. Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy could also be in jeopardy.

--

david.wharton@latimes.com

gary.klein@latimes.com