USA Today Incorrectly Reports Reggie Bush Apologized to USC Athletic Director

NewsBusters ^ | August 14, 2010 | P.J. Gladnick

[PJ-Comix]

New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush has caused a lot of problems for his alma mater, University of Southern California. While playing at USC, Bush accepted cash and gifts from a wannabee sports agent which later caused the NCAA to impose harsh sanctions upon USC including four years of probation and banishment from the 2010 and 2011 bowl games. Because of his actions, Bush apologized to the current USC athletic director, Pat Haden, according to David Leon Moore writing for USA Today. Only one "little" problem, Haden vehemently denies that Bush apologized to him. First the "apology" that never happened as misreported by USA Today:

LOS ANGELES — Reggie Bush apologized to new Southern California athletics director Pat Haden and expressed tremendous regret for his actions that landed the school on NCAA probation.

[PJ-Comix]

Reggie is making millions off the NFL and product endorsements and yet he still can't make a legitimate apology?

[Dr. Sivana]

Gee, Pat Haden is athletic director for USC. Pat Haden was the Rams QB in the ‘70’s. Probably the shortest guy to ever QB in a modern era championship game. He had a nice touch on the ball. I kinda wondered whatever happened to him (besides broadcasting some).

[PJ-Comix]

How tall?

[hampdenkid]

Don’t know about Hadden, but I think Eddie LaBaron was 5’6” (before the modern championship era).

[A_Former_Democrat]

He’s been the color guy for ND on NBC for several years

[boomop1]

He is entitled you know.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

USC created their own problems. No need for one asshole to apologize to another asshole(s).

[Dr. Sivana]

They list Haden at 5’11”... yeah, on his tippy toes.

He was more like 5’9”. Flutie might have been shorter.

The difference between Haden and Tarkenton and Flutie is that Haden wasn’t a scrambler. Fortunately, he had a great offensive line and some good running backs (Lawrence McCutcheon, John Capelleti). Haden did have exceptional accuracy given time, and could throw the long ball. His injury during the most dominant defensive performance in the history of the NFL (Rams over Seahawks 24-0, Seahawks held to -8 yards total offense) gave backup Vince Ferragamo the chance to lead the Rams to their only Super Bowl in a year beginning with a 1.

[GOPrincess]

“No need for one asshole to apologize to another asshole(s).”

Pat Haden is a class act, which you would find out if you take the time to Google some recent articles on his life and career.

He doesn’t deserve to be called by that derogatory term.

[vetvetdoug]

Bush accepted cash and gifts from agents...

They left out the white women gifts too....

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Yea great ‘Wink and a Nod’ guy.

He just blames the compliance department. That’s a load of BS.

[GOPrincess]

“Yea great ‘Wink and a Nod’ guy.

He just blames the compliance department. That’s a load of BS.”

I disagree. Not only is the athletic director gone and the compliance department beefed up, Haden was brought in specifically to make sure that these kinds of issues don’t occur again. And given his impressive resume and personal character I believe he’ll get it done.

Even if you disagree, it’s no reason to lower yourself by being uncivil and calling people “assholes” who use “B.S.”