Bush expresses regret over sanctions at USC

METAIRIE, La. — Though Reggie Bush admitted no wrongdoing he did express regret Wednesday over his involvement in an NCAA probe that resulted in major sanctions for USC's football program.

"This thing, regarding USC and the NCAA, is the closest thing to death without dying because I have such a great love and respect for the university," the New Orleans Saints running back said. "This has been one the toughest things I've had to deal with in my life."

Speaking publicly about the NCAA report for the first time since its release last week, Bush would not address the specific allegations of wrongdoing. Rather, he pledged to support USC however he could in an appeal of the sanctions.

"I believe that there's a lot of untold truth to this matter, there's a lot of fabricated lies to this matter, but it is what it is and I can't sit here and cry about it. I can't sit here and make up excuses," Bush said. "Ultimately, it's a responsibility that's placed on USC and my shoulders. It's because of me. So all I can do is continue to try to help them and move forward with the situation."

The NCAA report, released June 10, concluded that Bush and his family accepted improper benefits from marketing agents while he was playing for USC. The NCAA ruled that USC would have to vacate victories from late 2004 through the 2005 season, a period that included the Trojans' national title win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl in January 2005.

USC also was penalized with a two-year bowl ban and a loss of 30 scholarships over a three-year period. It is not clear whether Bush will lose his 2005 Heisman Trophy.

Redskins want money back from Haynesworth

ASHBURN, Va. — Albert Haynesworth didn't show. Teammates called him selfish. Now the Redskins want their money back.

Washington will see if it can recoup all or part of a $21 million bonus from the disgruntled All-Pro defensive tackle, AP reported. The Redskins decided to take action after Haynesworth failed to report for a mandatory minicamp, saying he doesn't want to play for them because he doesn't like the defense.

Notes

• Rex Ryan, the New York Jets coach, and All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis spoke for about an hour in an effort to "get on the same page" before his contract situation gets out of hand.

• New York Giants kick returner and wide receiver Domenik Hixon was diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury, one day after getting hurt during the team's first practice at its new stadium. He has a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

• NFL and union officials discussed adding two games to the regular season when they met for their first negotiating session since February. Teams would still play 20 exhibition plus regular-season games under the proposal. The league would go from four exhibition games and 16 in the regular season to two and 18.