Lloyd Lake's suit against former USC running back Reggie Bush now appears to hinge on Lake's willingness to answer questions under oath in a pretrial deposition.

Lake, former would-be marketing agent, must submit to a deposition before any depositions are taken from Bush and his parents, according to a tentative ruling Thursday by a San Diego Superior Court judge.

Past UT story Bush's attorneys seek protective order

Lake is suing Bush and his parents, seeking repayment of almost $300,000 in money, a vehicle and goods he said he gave Bush and his family while Bush was at USC.

Lake was scheduled to give his deposition Jan. 7 and Feb. 12, but neither happened. The second time, Lake walked out saying he was intimidated when Bush attorney David Cornwell brought an armed security guard to the proceeding. Cornwell said it was precautionary because Lake is a convicted felon with gang ties.

The tentative ruling by Judge Joan M. Lewis denied Bush's request for such security at depositions, but noted that could change “should facts develop that would support such a request.”

It also denied Bush's remaining requests, which included a protective order that would prevent Lake and his attorney from giving any future deposition transcripts to the NCAA or media.

If this ruling holds after a hearing in court Friday morning, the NCAA could gain access to valuable transcripts of Bush and his parents answering questions under oath about whether they accepted improper benefits from Lake while Bush was at USC. Their answers could jeopardize USC wins from 2004 and 2005. Bush and his parents so far have not cooperated with the NCAA.

But before they sit down for a such questions, Lake must go first, according to the tentative ruling. Cornwell previously had questioned whether Lake was afraid to answer tough questions under oath himself.

Lewis will hear arguments from attorneys Friday and issue a final ruling.

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