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Reggie Bush has always attracted multiple defenders but in his five years in New Orleans, Saint Reggie had a knack for attracting critics from every direction as well. Some said he was overpriced, others said overrated, still others chimed in that he was simply over-injured. All of the above would be correct but to simply leave it at that wouldn't be fair to the legacy of one of the biggest names this franchise has ever seen. Drew Brees has said it for years and repeated it when the Saints reported for duty on Thursday, "To this day, I'm not sure if there is any other guy that has come into the league with more hype and expectation than Reggie Bush." Brees is dead on----Bush wasn't a bust but his production didn't live up to the hype which was a high bar even this high flying athlete couldn't clear.

I covered every one of Bush's games in the black and gold and can attest Reggie was misunderstood. Sure he had his Hollywood/Kardashian side. Many judged him from his actions at USC which cost him a Heisman and caused his alma mater several bowl games. Yeah he tweeted too much and could have at times worked out in New Orleans more but overall I thought Reggie was very approachable and always was a standup up Saint both after scoring multiple touchdowns or committing multiple turnovers. We did a profile on Bush in his hometown of San Diego after his rookie season, where I got to know him a little better----I found he is confident not cocky and can be quiet which some people misunderstood for being arrogant. Even when he was hurt, he would make an appearance on our several CST post game shows, something a lot of NFL stars would never do. My point is many critics who try to portray Bush as a spoiled superstar didn't really get to know him and often forgot he is still a kid and makes mistakes---something Reggie often acknowledged.

As much as I liked Reggie personally, I agree with the Saints that it was time to say goodbye. Sean Payton was always a stanch defender of Reggie where he talked to him on the phone three times Wednesday before deciding that it finally made sense to sever ties. Sure Reggie wants to make money, but Payton concluded after their numerous phone conversations that Bush also wants to be a feature back---something he would never be in New Orleans with Pierre Thomas and rising rookie Mark Ingram on the depth chart. With the salary cap---you can't afford every toy and Bush became the extra accessory this team can no longer justify on the payroll or in this case the backfield.

So Saints fans can remember the good times--- the highlight filled Arizona playoff game, the breathtaking punt returns and the sideline leaps into the endzone. Bush helped these Saints win it's first Super Bowl and Payton acknowledged today he "will walk forever with the 2009 team." Yes he will, New Orleans should always appreciate what Bush contributed to the turnaround of the franchise but his window of opportunity ran out. In the end, Bush didn't prove to be the feature back something Miami believes he can be. He always had flashes of greatness but never sustained spectacular play and for that it was time for both sides to say goodbye. 

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

SAINT SPROLES----Bush's departure leaves a big void in the Saints return game and according to many published reports New Orleans has wasted no time in filling it by inking former Charger Darren Sproles to a deal. Payton was asked about the possibility on Wednesday and didn't deny interest.

MOORE OF LANCE---Lance Moore had to wait for it but finally gets the contract extension he wanted. Nobody is happier with the 5 year deal than Brees who appreciates the road this former practice squad player took to prominence. Brees told us, "The road that he has traveled to get to where he is at, guys like that deserve the best, they deserve to get compensated, and they deserve good things to happen to them. 

NO BUSH---PLENTY OF "BUSHROD"---Completing the sign and trade with Reggie, is allowing the Saints to keep more of their key players like left tackle Jermon Bushrod. The protector of Brees' blind side signed an extension with the team after getting interest from several others around the league

GREAT SCOTT--Linebacker Scott Shanle was also gathering interest around the league but Payton told us the team has resigned the veteran linebacker who just continues to stick around after being signed in Payton's 1st training camp back in 2006.

AHEAD OF THE CURVE---I asked both Brees and Vilma Wednesday about how their team led workouts have set the tone for training camp and possibly put them ahead of many teams around the NFL and they both concurred. Drew told me"he'd like to think so" while Vilma added he "very much" thought the Saints were ahead of other squads.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT----I really hope the team inks Roman Harper next. He is not only a popular presence in the locker room but (take away the Seattle playoff game) the Saints safety has thrived in Gregg Williams system. He was the second round pick in Bush's ballyhooed draft class of 2006---here's hoping he's not another casualty??

UNTIL NEXT BLOG,

Mike Nabors

CST

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