USC football: Reggie Bush reportedly settles civil lawsuit

Former USC tailback Reggie Bush reportedly has settled a civil lawsuit with a would-be sports marketer, ending the possibility that the Heisman Trophy winner will sit for a sworn deposition that was scheduled for Friday.

Yahoo! Sports, citing a source, reported that Bush reached a settlement in a case brought by Lloyd Lake, who was seeking nearly $300,000 for cash and benefits that he allegedly provided to Bush and his family while Bush was playing for the Trojans in 2004 and 2005.

Brian Watkins, an attorney who represents Lake, did not return phone calls from The Times seeking comment.

Michael Michaels, Lake's former business partner, was scheduled to be deposed Wednesday in San Diego. Michaels reached an out-of-court settlement with Bush in 2007 that was reportedly for $200,000-$300,000.

The NCAA investigated allegations centering on Bush for nearly four years. The investigation grew to encompass allegations related to former Trojans basketball player O.J. Mayo. USC went before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions in February and is awaiting a ruling regarding possible sanctions.

--Gary Klein

Photo: Reggie Bush with the Saints in February. Credit: Mark Humphrey / Associated Press.

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