Bush Says He Was Advised Not to Talk to Investigators

Back in Los Angeles this weekend for an NFL-related rookie event, Reggie Bush said Friday that he has not been distracted by the controversy surrounding an alleged relationship between his parents and a fledgling sports marketing company while he was still playing for USC.

The NCAA and the Pacific 10 Conference have been looking into the matter, but Bush said his attorney had advised him not to speak with investigators because founders of the marketing company, New Era Sports & Entertainment, have threatened to file a lawsuit against him and his family.

“A so-called lawsuit,” Bush said Friday evening at a Santa Monica beachside hotel. “I know how it’s going to turn out.”

Bush and former teammates Matt Leinart and LenDale White were among 30 high-profile rookies invited to the four-day event run by the NFL Players Assn. and its marketing subsidiary, Players Inc.

The former Trojans will return today to the Coliseum to have trading card photos taken in their NFL uniforms.

Marcedes Lewis and Maurice Drew of UCLA were also scheduled to take part.

Despite a hamstring injury, Bush said he enjoyed attending rookie camp with his new team, the New Orleans Saints.

“The fans have been great,” he said. “They welcomed me with open arms, excited to have me, and I’m happy to be there.”

-- David Wharton

and Gary Klein