Reggie Bush says he will help Southern California in its appeal to the NCAA

It may be too late, but Reggie Bush says he will fully support Southern California's appeal of NCAA sanctions that resulted in the football program being banned from bowl games for two years and the loss of 30 scholarships.

Bush was ruled ineligible because he and his family received illegal benefits starting at the end of his sophomore season in 2004 and through his final season in 2005. The school was stripped of all victories during that time frame, including a win in the BCS national championship game against Oklahoma.

"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," Bush said. "This has been one the toughest things I've had to deal with in my life."

Before the decision was handed down, Bush's reaction was "whatever happens, happens."

Bush said that many of the allegations were untrue.

"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."

In its findings, the NCAA cited the lack of cooperation by Bush and his family and the failure to provide records that would document their position.

For example, the family was accused of living in house rent-free, but there was no contradicting evidence that was provided showing they paid rent.

There was a littany of instances where the NCAA concluded Bush or his family received money to purchase and repair a car, free travel Southern California games and other events as well as cash payments.

You can read the full 67-page NCAA report and make your determination whether there was sufficient evidence to support the findings.