USC sanctions won’t be a distraction to Reggie Bush, Saints coach says

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The NCAA investigation that alleged wrongdoing by Reggie Bush and resulted in sanctions against USC won’t be a distraction to the New Orleans Saints running back.

So said Saints Coach Sean Payton, speaking after Monday’s open off-season practice, which the former USC star did not attend.

Payton said he didn’t expect the situation involving Bush would be a distraction to any member of the defending Super Bowl champion Saints.

(No word on how the USC sanctions are affecting Kim Kardashian, but we’ll keep you posted.)

Payton added that if the investigation hadn’t affected Bush or his teammates during the last several seasons, it probably won’t now.

Bitter USC fans might think that comment pretty much supports the stance of NCAA investigators who have indicated that Bush had not fully cooperated with the investigation. Bush’s attorney has said such comments are not true.

Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, a former USC teammate of Bush, said he was saddened by the Trojans’ punishment but still supports Bush and the university.

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.