Under Fire, USC Drops Ball in Sports Perks Probe

NCAA doles out harsh penalties on Reggie Bush no-nos

(AP) - The NCAA threw the book at storied Southern California today with a two-year bowl ban, four years' probation, loss of scholarships and forfeits of an entire year's games for improper benefits to Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush dating to the Trojans' 2004 national championship.The report, following a four-year investigation, cited numerous improper benefits for Bush and former basketball player O.J. Mayo, who spent just one year with the Trojans. More»

Running back returns 2005 award

(NEWSER) - Reggie Bush says he will give back his 2005 Heisman Trophy over allegations that he received improper benefits while playing for USC . "While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many," said the New Orleans Saints running back in a statement. "Those are gifts that can never be taken away." The Times-Picayune has the statement here . More»

(NEWSER) - The Congressional Budget Office, eager for new sources of income, is considering taxation options for the nation’s collegiate athletic franchises, the Economist reports. Among the proposals are curtailing deductions for charitable donations to college sports programs; limiting tax-exempt bonds; and, most drastically, stripping the programs of their traditional tax-exempt status. But only the first idea will produce any real revenue. More»

College faces sanctions if star accepted illegal benefits from future agent

(NEWSER) - USC star OJ Mayo received tens of thousands of dollars from the agency that would eventually represent him, a violation of NCAA rules, according to former friend Louis Johnson. The money was allegedly funneled through one Rodney Guillory, who lavished on Mayo just a fraction of what the agency gave him. If the allegations prove true, USC could face NCAA sanctions, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»

Convicted ponzi schemer's allegations could doom football program

(NEWSER) - A convicted Ponzi schemer and former University of Miami booster has come forward alleging that he gave millions in illicit benefits to Hurricanes players—including cash, prostitutes, jewelry, trips, and even an abortion. Nevin Shapiro, who is currently in prison for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme, detailed the abuses first to federal prosecutors and then to Yahoo! Sports in 100 hours of interviews from jail, and he named names—including NFL notables like Vince Wilfork, Andre Johnson, Devin Hester, Kellen Winslow, and Antrel Rolle, and at least 12 players still at Miami. More»