The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians rejected a proposed sports marketing deal with a tribal member who provided a home to the family of a college athlete now under investigation.

Tribal member Michael Chief Michaels, who also goes by the name Michael Pettiford, asked the tribe to become a partner in New Era Sports & Entertainment. But the tribe and its development company declined, a tribal official said.

At the time, Michaels was pursuing a deal with Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, a star University of Southern California athlete. Michaels bought a home for Bush's family, according to news reports. The family moved out this past Sunday after questions were raised about the arrangement.

New Era never landed the deal. Michaels had formed the company with Lloyd Lake, a reputed gang member in prison for a probation violation.

Get the Story:
Tribe Distances Itself From USC Conflict (AP 4/25)
New Link in Bush Case (The Los Angeles Times 4/26)
pwday
Parents of Bush face questions about home (The San Diego Union-Tribune 4/24)

Relevant Links:
Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians - http://www.sycuan.com