Bush Visits, Says He’s Not Worried

The New Orleans Saints have an open date this week, but Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush was still on the practice field Thursday.

USC’s practice field.

The No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, who has thrived as a pro despite being under a cloud of controversy since April, visited with Trojans players and coaches during meetings and for about half of their workout at Howard Jones Field. He then slipped out a back gate and was carted by student managers to a parking lot.

“It feels good to be back,” said Bush, standing beside a new luxury sports car. “It’s been a while since I’ve been back. I just came to visit and, you know, have a good time and see some of my old people and say hello to everybody.”

The NCAA and the Pacific 10 Conference are investigating allegations that Bush and his family received more than $100,000 in benefits from marketing agents while he was playing for the Trojans.

If the NCAA finds violations, USC could be sanctioned. If Bush is found retroactively to have been ineligible, his Heisman status could be in jeopardy.

Bush has said repeatedly since allegations first surfaced in published reports in April that he and his family had done nothing wrong.

Coach Pete Carroll said he had talked previously with Bush about the situation but did not discuss it Thursday as the running back answered questions about the NFL from former teammates and new players.

“He was real humble and real happy to be around,” Carroll said.

Senior flanker Steve Smith spoke to Bush about the controversy.

“He ain’t worried about it,” Smith said. “It’s not a big deal. So we didn’t talk about it that much at all.”

Bush smiled and mingled with players on the sideline during drills.

He hugged and shook hands with USC personnel before quietly leaving.

Asked if he had spoken to NCAA investigators or USC officials about the allegations, Bush shook his head no.

Asked if he planned to, Bush said, “I plan to lead my team to the playoffs, that’s it. That’s all that’s on my mind, that’s all I’m thinking about right now. Football’s on my mind and, you know, helping out New Orleans.”

Bush said he did not feel uncomfortable on campus with the controversy swirling about.

“Everybody is happy to see me and I’m happy to see them.... I feel welcome with open arms,” he said.

Asked if he had worries about anything, Bush smiled and again shook his head.

“None,” he said, then opened the door to the car, got in and drove away.

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Bush apparently was not the only former Trojans tailback in town.

Smith said he attended a party Wednesday night with LenDale White, who now plays for the Tennessee Titans.

“It was just crazy because I was here when we were all grinding together and now they’re living that life. It just shows it’s right within our hands, right within our reach,” said Smith, who was impressed by White’s jewelry.

“I see the chain on LenDale and the earrings and the wrist and the watch and stuff. I like that,” Smith said. “I don’t know if I’m going to go too extravagant, though.”

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USC was scheduled to practice today, but Carroll gave his team the day off. The Trojans also will be off Saturday and Sunday before returning to prepare for Oregon State.... Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was not at practice because his wife, Layla, delivered their second child, a girl named Presley Grace.... Rey Maualuga is one of 10 finalists for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

gary.klein@latimes.com