Sean Payton: Reggie Bush USC probe won't distract New Orleans Saints

METAIRIE, La. -- Sean Payton says he's confident an NCAA investigation which alleged wrongdoing by Reggie Bush and resulted in sanctions against Southern California won't be a distraction to the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.

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The Saints' coach spoke after an open offseason practice Monday which Bush missed. Payton says Bush had called to say he'd be missing the voluntary practice, but expected to attend practices later this week.

"This is something that's affecting USC now. [Bush's] focus is squarely on us being successful and him being the best player he can be. I don't see it being a distraction," Payton told reporters, according to the (New Orleans) Times-Picayune.

Payton says the NCAA probe spanned several seasons and adds that if it hasn't affected Bush or New Orleans to this point, it probably won't now.

Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, a former USC teammate of Bush, says he was saddened by the Trojans' punishment but says he still supports Bush and his school.

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