DKW 86 7,431 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=cr-b...o&type=lgns Tale of the tapes? By Jason Cole and Charles Robinson January 24, 2007 SAN DIEGO A federal investigation into extortion claims by New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush and his family has revealed the existence of taped conversations that could confirm Bush took cash and gifts while he was playing football for the University of Southern California. Lloyd Lake, an investor in a failed sports marketing agency which attempted to launch with Bush as its first client, is the subject of a grand jury probe into the extortion claims. The agency called New Era Sports & Entertainment was founded by Lake and San Diego businessman Michael Michaels. Lake told Yahoo! Sports in August 2006 that he contributed a portion of the cash and gifts allegedly given to Bush and his family as part of an agreement to represent the then-USC running back when he signed an NFL contract. ADVERTISEMENT According to multiple sources in an ongoing Yahoo! Sports investigation, nearly $280,000 in cash, rent and gifts was allegedly given to Bush and his family. Lake and Michaels both said in August 2006 that they planned to file a lawsuit against Bush. The U.S. District Attorney's office in San Diego has issued grand jury subpoenas to multiple witnesses in the probe since October, requiring them to appear before federal investigators. According to a copy of a subpoena obtained by Yahoo! Sports, at least one of the witnesses was asked to produce "any recordings in your possession of conversations between Lloyd Lake and Reggie Bush, Denise Griffin, or LaMar Griffin." Denise Griffin is Bush's mother. LaMar Griffin is Bush's stepfather. If such taped conversations involving Bush become public, Bush and USC could face penalties from the NCAA and Pacific-10 Conference, which are conducting ongoing investigations into reports of extra benefits. If the NCAA rules that Bush received extra benefits during his playing career at USC, he could be ruled retroactively ineligible. Since some of the benefits date to the 2004 season, the Trojans' national championship that season could be rescinded. USC could face further NCAA sanctions and Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy could be in jeopardy. The Heisman ballot indicates that an athlete must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to be considered for college football's most prestigious award. "I respectfully decline to comment on the media frenzy regarding Reggie Bush, his family and his college career," David Cornwell, Bush's attorney, said Wednesday. The NCAA declined to comment on its investigation, except to ask that anyone with information regarding the allegations against Bush and his family come forward. The NCAA has interviewed numerous sources in the matter, including USC coaches and officials and business associates directly and indirectly involved with Bush. Yahoo! Sports has learned that LaMar Griffin spoke with federal investigators in the spring of 2006 and acknowledged the existence of the tapes. In an appearance before a grand jury on Jan. 12, 2007, Lake's mother Barbara Gunner testified that she had heard portions of tapes made by her son, in which LaMar Griffin states that Bush intended to repay New Era Sports financiers "their money," as well as for a car that was purchased for the former USC running back. Multiple sources told Yahoo! Sports that Lake made the tapes in late 2005 to protect his financial investment if Bush backed out of their alleged agreement. New Era's goal of landing Bush as a client officially failed when Bush signed to be represented by agent Joel Segal and marketing agent Mike Ornstein in January of 2006. Lake and Michaels told Yahoo! Sports in April 2006 that Bush and his family agreed to be partners in New Era Sports in 2004, then backed out of the venture after accepting the finances Lake and Michaels provided as part of the deal. The bulk of the benefits Lake and Michaels claim they gave to Bush and his family including direct cash payments, rent-free living in a new home, paying off credit card debt and money for a car for Bush were allegedly provided over a one-year period starting in late 2004. In April 2006, Yahoo! Sports first revealed allegations that Bush and his family received extra benefits, including $54,000 in rent-free living at Michaels' $757,500 home in Spring Valley, Calif., according to Michaels and San Diego attorney Brian Watkins. Yahoo! Sports also reported the Bush family received $28,000 from New Era financiers to settle pre-existing debt, according to Michaels and Watkins. Yahoo! Sports also reported that Bush received approximately $18,000 to purchase and upgrade a car while he was still a student at USC. On Sept. 14, 2006, Yahoo! Sports published findings of an ongoing investigation that revealed that Bush and his family appeared to have accepted benefits worth more than $100,000 from two groups of marketing agents. The report came after Yahoo! Sports reviewed multiple travel records, documents and receipts. In addition to Lake and Michaels, extra benefits appear to have been supplied by Ornstein, Bush's current marketing agent. NCAA by-law 12.3.1.2 states that an athlete shall be deemed ineligible if he or she accepts benefits from agents or marketing representatives. The rule further states that student-athletes, their family or friends cannot receive benefits or loans from agents. Additionally, NCAA by-law 12.1.2.1.6 states that athletes cannot receive preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual's athletics reputation or skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete, unless such treatment, benefits or services are specifically permitted under NCAA legislation. Cornwell responded to the initial reports in April by claiming that Bush and his family were victims of an extortion plot. Cornwell eventually spoke with federal authorities about the matter, claiming that Lake and Michaels tried to coerce Bush into paying the money. Griffin then told a federal investigator that Lake threatened to make the tapes public if the money was not repaid. Gunner and Lake's former girlfriend, Maiesha Jones, have both testified before the grand jury. Lake's sister, Lisa Lake, voluntarily spoke with federal investigators. Gunner explained to the grand jury that she provided at least $60,000 to her son to help finance the business. According to a source close to the case, Jones told the grand jury about the business relationship between Lloyd Lake, Michaels and Bush. The extortion probe has produced no formal charges. Lloyd Lake was recently released from a one-year prison term for a parole violation in conjunction with a previous drug-related conviction. If brought up on extortion charges, he could face a maximum two-year sentence. He also faces a domestic violence charge in California from an incident with Jones. Bush just completed his rookie NFL season, helping the Saints reach the NFC championship game for the first time in team history. Bush had 565 yards rushing on 155 carries this season and had 88 receptions for 742 yards after being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft. He scored nine touchdowns in the regular season. Bush has said that he and his family did nothing wrong in regard to the allegations of receiving extra benefits. Bush has not talked to federal investigators in the extortion probe. He also has not cooperated with the investigation by the NCAA, which does not have subpoena power. According to a report first published by Foxsports.com, Bush requested a sideline pass from his alma mater for the 2007 Rose Bowl but USC declined, stating that it had already distributed its allotment of VIP passes. USC coach Pete Carroll was questioned about Bush's absence from the Rose Bowl on a Los Angeles radio program on Jan. 2, the morning after the game. Radio host and Los Angeles Times columnist T.J. Simers asked Carroll: "You saw the reports that Reggie was told not to come to the Rose Bowl, to stay away from USC. Do you buy that? Do you have anything to do with that?" Responded Carroll: "No. I know that through this investigation, because he's not cooperating the way they'd like it, there's some issues about that. Reggie gets to do whatever he wants to do. He's not part of us anymore and we can't control any of that. But there's some, I think some opinions from the NCAA that they're mad at Reggie. And, you know, they would not like him to be associated with us. But I don't know what's going on with all that. But there is some stuff. "I did call Reggie and he didn't hear from anybody about any of that kind of stuff. We're just going to keep working along the best we can and try to keep our head above water and do the right thing and stay out of that stuff. But that stuff, it is kind of nasty. You just don't know where it's coming from and people are out to get you. It can get kind of hard." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven_tiger 5 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 I just found out... Barbaro was *just* put down too... link The Associated Press Monday, January 29, 2007 KENNETT SQUARE, Pennsylvania: The Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his breakdown at the Preakness last May. "We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain," said Roy Jackson, who owned the colt with his wife, Gretchen. "It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time." The Jacksons were with Barbaro on Monday morning when the owners made the decision in consultation with Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania. A series of ailments, including laminitis in the left rear hoof and an abscess in the right rear hoof, proved too much for the colt. Barbaro battled in his stall for eight months. The 4-year-old colt underwent several procedures and was fitted with fiberglass casts. He spent time in a sling to ease pressure on his legs, had pins inserted and was fitted at the end with an external brace. These were all extraordinary measures for a horse with such injuries. Barbaro was rushed to the New Bolton Center on May 20, just hours after shattering his right hind leg a few strides into the Preakness Stakes. The colt underwent a five-hour operation that fused two joints, recovering from an injury most horses never survive. But Barbaro never regained his natural gait. He suffered a significant setback over the weekend, and surgery was required to insert two steel pins in a bone  one of three shattered in the Preakness but now healthy  to eliminate all weight bearing on the ailing right rear foot. The procedure Saturday was a risky one, because it transferred more weight to the leg while the foot rests on the ground bearing no weight. The leg had been on the mend until the abscess began causing discomfort last week. Until then, the major concern was Barbaro's left rear leg, which developed laminitis in July and 80 percent of the hoof was removed. Richardson said Monday morning that Barbaro had not had a good night. The story of the colt's fight for life captured the sympathy of millions. When Barbaro broke down at the Preakness, his right hind leg flared out awkwardly as the jockey, Edgar Prado, jumped off and tried to steady the ailing horse. Race fans at Pimlico wept. Within 24 hours the entire country seemed Well-wishers young and old showed up with cards, flowers and gifts. to be caught up in a "Barbaro watch," waiting for any news. Well-wishers young and old showed up at the New Bolton Center with cards, flowers, gifts, goodies and even religious medals for the champ, and thousands of e-mails poured into the hospital's Web site for him. "I just can't explain why everyone is so caught up in this horse," Roy Jackson, had said. "Everything is so negative now in the world, people love animals and I think they just happen to latch onto him." Fans even wrote Christmas carols for him, sent a wreath made of baby organic carrots and gave him a Christmas stocking. And almost $1.2 million has been raised for the New Bolton Center since early June for the Barbaro Fund. The money is put toward equipment like an operating room table and a raft and sling for the pool recovery like the ones Barbaro used after his surgeries. The Jacksons spent tens of thousands of dollars hoping the best horse they ever owned would recover and be able to live a comfortable life on the farm  whether he was able to breed or not. The Jacksons, who own about 70 racehorses, brood mares and yearlings, have been in the horse business for 30 years. As late as December, with the broken bones in his right hind leg nearly healed and his laminitis under control, Barbaro was looking good and relishing daily walks outside his intensive care unit. But after months of upbeat progress reports, including talk that he might be headed home soon, news came Jan. 10 of a serious setback with the laminitis. Richardson had to remove damaged tissue from Barbaro's left hind hoof and the colt was placed back in a protective sling. On Jan. 13, another section of his left rear hoof was removed. Then, after the deep abscess developed in his right hind foot, surgery was performed Saturday to insert the steel pins. Richardson had warned in December that Barbaro's right hind leg was getting stronger and that the left hind foot was a "more formidable long-term challenge." Barbaro won the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Florida on Feb. 4, but his dirt debut was inconclusive since it came over a sloppy track. After an eight-week break, an unusually long time between races, Barbaro came back and won the Florida Derby by a half- length over Sharp Humor despite an outside No. 10 post. The deal was sealed  on to the Derby, but not without criticism that Barbaro couldn't win coming off a five- week layoff. After all, it had been 50 years since Needles won the Derby off a similar break. Not only did Barbaro win the Derby, he demolished what was supposed to be one of the toughest fields in years. The 6½-length winning margin was the largest since 1946, when Assault won by eight lengths. Barbaro earned $2.3 million with six wins in seven starts. Is this not old news??? Year in review thread??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BZ770 2 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Jan 07? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaGrad03 0 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 We landed on tha MOOOON! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWK 0 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Guys, Nick Saban is the coach at Alabama. Guys, fire is hot. Water is wet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PChamp119 96 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Tuberville is going to Texas A&M... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merkuree 0 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 I thought he was going to the Cowboys or Miami... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUesquire 1 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 A veritable plethora of Ziiiiiiiiiiiiinnnngs. One of which, is bound to leave a mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven_tiger 5 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Who shot JR??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKW 86 7,431 Posted December 8, 2007 Author Share Posted December 8, 2007 http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=Ap...o&type=lgns Sorry guys, grabbed the wrong link... Hay, at least I am digging and finding stuff. Guess I am just......human, not like you perfect ones here on the message board. Bush hit with book By Jason Cole and Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports December 6, 2007 Nearly two years after Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy, a book detailing improper benefits he allegedly received while playing for the University of Southern California and his relationship with the financiers of a fledgling sports marketing company could further damage his chances of keeping the most prestigious award in college sports. The book, "Tarnished Heisman" by Don Yaeger and Jim Henry, published by Simon & Schuster, will include transcripts of recorded conversations that contain Bush acknowledging he owed money to the financiers of New Era Sports & Entertainment. Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels of New Era planned to feature Bush as their marquee client to launch their marketing agency. The business failed after Bush sought representation elsewhere. The book will be released in mid-January. Meanwhile, the NCAA interviewed three people this week who claim knowledge of the approximately $300,000 in cash and other benefits allegedly given to Bush by Lake and Michaels. The benefits included Bush's family living rent-free in a new home in a San Diego suburb for one year. Bush also allegedly received money for a car, spending money and had hotel stays paid for. Other allegations include furniture being purchased for the Bush family, travel expenses paid and free dinners provided. Barbara Gunner and Lisa Lake met with the NCAA on Tuesday and the organization met with Lemuel Campbell on Wednesday. Gunner is the mother of Lloyd Lake. Lisa Lake is Lloyd Lake's sister. Campbell is Lisa Lake's ex-husband, who was expected to be an officer in New Era. Gunner and Lisa Lake spoke to the NCAA about how they helped Lloyd Lake by lending him money to get New Era started. They also discussed their encounters with Bush and his family, including stepfather LaMar Griffin and mother Denise Griffin. In November, the NCAA interviewed Lloyd Lake, listening to a portion of the recordings he made of conversations between himself, Bush and LaMar Griffin. Yahoo! Sports, which in April 2006 broke the story of Bush receiving benefits, has also heard a portion of the recorded conversations. Yaeger is a former writer and editor for Sports Illustrated who has written 14 books. Henry is a sportswriting veteran of more than 20 years with The St. Petersburg Times, The Tampa Tribune and The Tallahassee Democrat. Beyond the transcripts of the recorded conversations, the book will include extensive interviews with Lloyd Lake, Gunner, Lisa Lake and others. Yaeger said he believes the book could prove significant in pushing forward the NCAA investigation and ultimately lead to Bush losing the Heisman. No player has ever been stripped of the award. The Heisman Trust would decide Bush's fate. This year's Heisman will be presented Saturday in New York. "My belief is that Heisman voters will have another decision to make in the near future," Yaeger said. Henry said after he listened to the recorded conversations and examined documents, he was convinced Bush and his family received the improper benefits. "At the end of the day I asked myself did I believe Lloyd Lake and his family. The answer was yes," Henry said. Lloyd Lake filed suit against Bush in San Diego County Court in October, alleging Bush, his stepfather and mother promised to repay money that was advanced to them. According to sources and documents obtained by Yahoo! Sports, Bush agreed to join New Era in exchange for the benefits and partial ownership of the company. But he reneged on that agreement and then never repaid what he was advanced, sources said. Bush reached a settlement with Michaels in March 2007, paying Michaels between $200,000 and $300,000. In the book, Lloyd Lake discusses how he first met Bush when the running back was a star at Helix High in San Diego. They maintained a relationship over the years and allegedly agreed late in 2004 to start the sports marketing company. Their relationship would coincide with the end of the 2004 season, when USC went undefeated and won the national championship against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. Thus, the investigation could jeopardize the Trojans' title. It could also impact victories from the 2005 season, when Bush helped USC return to the national championship game, which the Trojans lost to Texas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerHeat 9 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=Ap...o&type=lgns Sorry guys, grabbed the wrong link... Hay, at least I am digging and finding stuff. Guess I am just......human, not like you perfect ones here on the message board. We still love you, fat fingers and all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BZ770 2 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 USC falling would rival the fall of Rome. Love the idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcgufcm 4,107 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Tarnished Heisman I thought I'd do what I could to help save face. Apparently there will be a new book hitting the stands soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PChamp119 96 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Tarnished Heisman I thought I'd do what I could to help save face. Apparently there will be a new book hitting the stands soon. WE LANDED ON HE MOON! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarTiger 3,910 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Tarnished Heisman I thought I'd do what I could to help save face. Apparently there will be a new book hitting the stands soon. WE LANDED ON HE MOON! sorry, but your fellow bammer fan used this already in this very thread. I know you need to stick together and all, but posting the same thing in the same thread is a bit much. Besides, the article is dated DECEMBER 6, 2007, which was just two days ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PChamp119 96 Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Tarnished Heisman I thought I'd do what I could to help save face. Apparently there will be a new book hitting the stands soon. WE LANDED ON HE MOON! sorry, but your fellow bammer fan used this already in this very thread. I know you need to stick together and all, but posting the same thing in the same thread is a bit much. Besides, the article is dated DECEMBER 6, 2007, which was just two days ago. If you noticed, the article was already posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattd 3 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Is it me or is this unusually quiet.....ESPN isn't all over this at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAMMERPERRY 0 Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Is it me or is this unusually quiet.....ESPN isn't all over this at all. That's because they're not Bama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Prowler 1 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Is it me or is this unusually quiet.....ESPN isn't all over this at all. That's because they're not Bama. Yeah... They're probably thanking God right about now. Who would want to be bammer, in Anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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