USC coach Pete Carroll and one of his assistants could be subpoenaed in a civil suit involving former Trojans running back Reggie Bush, a lawyer involved in the case said Friday.

In a hearing Friday morning, a San Diego County Superior Court judge also ordered the case to go to trial March 13, 2009, and instructed both sides to come up with dates when depositions would take place.

Bush, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints, is scheduled to give his deposition June 23, while Lake's deposition will take place June 5 and 6.

"Reggie Bush's days of ducking and dodging are finally done. He can concentrate on doing that on the football field," said Brian Watkins, lawyer for would-be sports agent Lloyd Lake.

Lake, a financier of the failed sports marketing company, New Era Sports & Entertainment, has claimed that he gave the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner gifts and cash during Bush's playing days at USC in exchange for him signing with their firm. Bush later signed with marketing agent Mike Ornstein.

Lake is seeking approximately $300,000 in lost start-up costs, cash and back rent.

Watkins said Carroll and running backs coach Todd McNair could be instrumental in his trial strategy, but would not elaborate on how.

Judge Joan Lewis also denied a request for a gag order in the case. The transcripts could reveal whether Bush received improper benefits during his USC days, an infraction of NCAA rules.

If true, Bush could be ruled retroactively ineligible and lose his Heisman Trophy. Because some of the benefits allegedly were received the previous season, USC's 2004 national championship also could be erased.

Bush repeatedly has denied any wrong doing by himself or his family.Watkins had no comment on the confidentiality order, but was pleased with the judge's ruling.

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