Double standard? Auburn’s Newton vs. USC’s Bush

The NCAA’s decision to reinstate Auburn QB Cam Newton without penalty despite the prohibited actions of his father surprised USC A.D. Pat Haden. USC was hit with some of the harshest sanctions in history, in part because Reggie Bush’s parents accepted prohibited extra benefits from agents Bush’s stepfather also helped set up a fledgling sports-marketing venture. “In the Reggie Bush case, when the parent (did) something inappropriate the kid and the school suffered,” Haden said. He said the Newton ruling is at odds with how USC is educating athletes regarding NCAA rules. “I was always told the parent is the child,” he said. “That’s what we’ve been telling our kids. If the parent does something inappropriate the child suffers the consequences.”

– Los Angeles Times