Bush denies rumors
New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush insisted Friday he and his family have done nothing wrong, responding to allegations that they accepted gifts, money and other benefits worth more than $100,000 from two marketing agents during his career at Southern California.
“I’m not worried about any of these allegations or anything like that, because I know what the truth is, like I said from day one,” Bush said after a Saints practice.
Yahoo.com reported Thursday that Michael Michaels, a marketing agency investor who wanted to represent the Heisman Trophy winner, and current Bush marketing agent Mike Ornstein supplied Bush and his family with gifts while he was still at USC.
Each hoped to represent Bush once he left school. Bush eventually chose Ornstein, which caused a falling out between Michaels and Bush’s family.
Foley comments released
Chargers linebacker Steve Foley told the off-duty police officer who shot him at least three times, “You’re trying to end my career, man,” according to a sheriff’s department report.
Foley made the comment after he was shot Sept. 3 outside his home, the report written by San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Tockstein said.
Police followed Foley on suspicion that he was driving drunk. The shooting occurred when Foley got out of his car outside his home in suburban Poway, with the report saying Officer Aaron Mansker fired after the 6-foot-4, 265-pound football player reached into his pants with his right hand.
Foley, who had been partying in downtown San Diego, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.233 percent, nearly three times California’s legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Motorist draws guilty verdict
A motorist was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of a Super Bowl reveler who was struck when the man drove his car through a crowd in Boston celebrating the New England Patriots’ 2004 championship.
Stanley Filoma was charged with killing one man and injuring four others when his sport utility vehicle struck them Feb. 1, 2004. Prosecutors contended Filoma was drunk and fleeing police. Filoma said he panicked when two groups attacked his car.
James Grabowski, the 21-year-old son of a state police officer, was killed when Filoma’s car hit him head-on. Grabowski, of West Newbury, was visiting his brother, a Northeastern student.
Around the league
Ben Roethlisberger remains questionable for Pittsburgh’s Monday night game at Jacksonville as he recovers from an apendectomy. … Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs ruled Clinton Portis out for Sunday’s game against Dallas, an announcement that surprised Portis and created yet another twist in the running back’s injury saga. … Steve Smith missed practice again with the Carolina Panthers because of a hamstring injury and is questionable for this weekend’s game at Minnesota. … Tampa Bay’s Carnell “Cadillac” Williams returned to practice and said he doesn’t think back spasms will prevent him from playing against Atlanta on Sunday. … Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook missed practice because of swelling in his knee and is probable for the game against the New York Giants. … Linebacker Mike Peterson and defensive linemen Paul Spicer and Marcus Stroud returned to practice for Jacksonville and were expected to play against Pittsburgh on Monday night. … San Francisco upgraded injured left tackle Jonas Jennings from doubtful to questionable for Sunday.