Report: Reggie Bush apologizes to USC

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Reggie Bush reportedly apologized to USC Athletic Director Pat Haden for his transgressions that led to NCAA sanctions against the university, according to USA Today.

[Updated at 2:32 p.m.: Haden told The Times’ Gary Klein Friday that Bush did not apologize for transgressions but did express regret over events. “I would say it was conversation of him being contrite, but not an apology,” Haden said.]

‘He told me, ‘If I could turn the clock back, I would,’ ‘ said Haden, who had a 15-minute phone conversation last week with the former USC star. ‘ ‘If I could give the Heisman Trophy back, I would.’ ‘

An NCAA investigation found that Bush, who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints, had received improper benefits during his tenure with the Trojans.

‘He’s really contrite,’ Haden said of Bush. ‘He knows he made a series of mistakes. It wasn’t just one mistake. It was a series of mistakes.’

Due to Bush’s indiscretions and other violations found during the investigation, USC was banned from bowl games for two years and stripped of 30 scholarships.

USC subsequently returned Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trust and removed mentions of Bush’s records from media guides.

‘I wish I could ask Reggie to come talk to our football team. I can’t. He’s not allowed on the campus,’ Haden said. ‘But I think he would tell them what a big mistake he made and how sorry he is.’

-- Melissa Rohlin