Rush Could Return After Christmas

UCLA officials said Friday that JaRon Rush probably will be allowed to return to practice soon after Christmas so he can stay in shape in the event of reinstatement, though they stressed that their comments were not an indication of where their investigation is headed.

“I wouldn’t read into it,” Coach Steve Lavin said.

On the other hand, it’s difficult to imagine the Bruins all but clearing Rush to rejoin workouts, some 10 days in advance of a return, if a smoking gun had been uncovered that would mean a major penalty. But the inquiry into his dealings with Los Angeles agent Jerome Stanley and former AAU coach Myron Piggie probably will continue for at least a couple more weeks.

Friday’s announcement came as Rush returned to Kansas City, Mo., for the holiday break, while teammates prepared to play DePaul today and then head to Hawaii for a tournament.

Rush’s trip home is an especially interesting sidelight considering recent events.

Letting him know ahead of time about the probable reinstatement for practice might facilitate Rush getting on a return flight to Los Angeles after the break.

“That could be,” Lavin said.

TODAY

vs. DePaul, 3 p.m.

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Pauley Pavilion.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Bruins 3-1, Blue Demons 7-2.

* Update--DePaul sophomore Quentin Richardson, an All-American candidate, comes in averaging 18.8 points and nine rebounds.

* Tickets--(310) UCLA-WIN.