Matt Bush's Career Is in Jeopardy

For a former No. 1 draft pick, Matt Bush's career with the Padres was spotty at best, controversial at worst. Having already had two altercations with police (one within two weeks of being drafted), Bush has had his third strike.

His latest altercation with police, combined with the Padres needing roster room to sign Cliff Floyd has earned Bush, a shortstop turned pitcher when the Padres figured out he couldn't hit, a designation for assignment which will turn into an outright release if the Padres can't trade him within ten days.

El Cajon police Lt. Steve Shakowski on Thursday confirmed an investigation involving Bush and allegations of assaultive behavior and public intoxication.

A witness, who requested his name not be used because of the ongoing police investigation, said Bush was drunk, threw a golf club into the dirt, picked up and threw a freshman lacrosse player and hit another one. Bush also yelled "I'm Matt (expletive) Bush," and "(expletive) East County," before driving over a curb in his Mercedes when leaving the campus, according to the witness.

Players can bounce back from extreme low points. Josh Hamilton is proof of that. And at age 22, time is on Bush's side. But Hamilton also had tons more talent than Bush, who really should have been more careful considering he was on thin ice to begin with. You'll remember Bush as the guy the Padres drafted because they didn't want to pay the larger signing bonuses for guys like Stephen Drew and Jered Weaver.

For his trouble, Bush has now earned the right to stand before the world and shout "I'm Matt (expletive) Bush. And I'm (expletive) unemployed!"