Investigators home in on Bush

PHOENIX -- Tom Hansen said he couldn't say much because he didn't know much.

But the Pacific-10 commissioner expects to know more in the next several days as the conference conducts an investigation into whether former Southern Cal tailback Reggie Bush violated NCAA regulations this past season, and whether those violations could cost the Trojans their Pac-10 championship or even cost Bush the Heisman Trophy.

''We're looking into it," Hansen said yesterday as the Bowl Championship Series meetings began. ''USC called us last week and asked us to investigate the matter."

At issue is a $757,000 house in a Southern California community just south of San Diego in which members of Bush's family were living. Bush's mother, Denise Griffin, his stepfather, LaMar Griffin, and his stepbrother moved into the house last fall, which would not have been an issue until it was discovered that the house was owned by a man who allegedly was planning to start a marketing agency with Bush as a primary client.

With the Pac-10 the only conference with its own investigative department, the case is being pursued quickly as the expanding question of Bush's eligibility -- only days before he is expected to become the first player selected in the NFL draft --is discussed and debated.

If investigators find that Bush had indeed received an ''extra benefit" from an agent, the Pac-10 and the NCAA could rule that Bush was ineligible last season. In that case, USC would have to forfeit all the games Bush played in, and that would cost the Trojans their Pac-10 title.

USC went 12-1, losing only to Texas in the national championship game. Bush played in all 13 games.

Furthermore, the Heisman Trophy bylaws state that only players who are eligible under NCAA rules can win the award.

''It could mean forfeiture of games," said Hansen. ''But we're a long way from where we are now."

Bush, speaking on ESPN's ''Pardon the Interruption" yesterday, said, ''I've done nothing wrong, according to NCAA rules or moral rules. The story is getting blown out of proportion."

Perhaps. And Bush may be technically correct in that he personally received no extra benefits. He says his family leased the house. But if it is determined that without the help of an outside agent, Bush's family would not have been able to live there, it could be construed as an extra benefit to Bush.

For a program that was one last-second loss away from having a three-year NCAA championship run and was riding a 34-game winning streak before its loss to Texas in the Rose Bowl, this would have significant consequences. It also could follow Bush through his NFL career.