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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006

Pac-10 to look at Bush's family home

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The Pac-10 said yesterday it will investigate the reported connection between a home where Reggie Bush's family lived and a man who sought to market the Southern California star tailback.

Bush's family allegedly lived in the house in Spring Valley, Calif., owned by a man who had sought to handle the star tailback's professional marketing while Bush was still playing for USC, Yahoo.com reported yesterday.

The Web site reported that the family moved out of the house this weekend after questions over its ownership arose.

Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, chose to turn pro after his junior season with USC. He is expected to be the No. 1 pick in Saturday's NFL draft.

"Rather than jumping to conclusions, we need to determine the facts before commenting on this report," USC AD Mike Garrett said in a statement.

Pac-10 spokesman Jim Muldoon confirmed to The Associated Press that an investigation will be held at the school's request, but had no further details.

At issue is the San Diego-area home's connection with businessman Michael Michaels, who reportedly attempted to steer Bush toward signing with San Diego agent David Caravantes, and sought to handle Bush's marketing with a new firm he had founded.

State records showed construction was completed on the home in early 2005 and Michaels purchased it for $757,500 in late March, Yahoo reported.

Neighbors told Yahoo that Bush's mother Denise Griffin, stepfather LaMar Griffin and brother Jovan Griffin moved into the home shortly after that.

NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes and their families from receiving extra benefits from agents or their representatives.

Bush signed with a different agent and marketing firm.

ELSEWHERE

Law and order: NFL defensive back Ricky Manning Jr. was arrested on suspicion of assault yesterday after a fight at a restaurant near the UCLA campus. Manning, a 25-year-old restricted free agent who signed an offer sheet with the Chicago Bears on Friday after three seasons with Carolina, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after he allegedly hit a man in the face along with four or five companions at a Denny's restaurant in the Westwood section of Los Angeles, said officer Mike Lopez. Police said Manning was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon despite not being armed because he was aided by companions, and because great bodily force was used. Manning was released after posting $30,000 bail.