Former NFL star Reggie Bush is suing the NCAA, USC, and the Pac-12 to recover earnings generated from the use of his name, image, and likeness (NIL) during his time with the USC football program from 2003 to 2005. According to Fox News, Bush’s attorneys claim that he deserves compensation to "address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation" of his name.
“This case isn’t just about justice for Reggie Bush,” said Evan Selik, one of Bush’s attorneys. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to correct this injustice and create a system where athletes are properly recognized, compensated, and treated fairly for their contributions.”
Bush is also pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, filed in 2023, in connection with his forfeiture of the Heisman Trophy in 2010. As reported earlier by CNN, Bush is accusing the NCAA of defamation and is seeking to have his football records reinstated so that he can reclaim the 2005 Heisman Trophy.
Levi McCarthern, Bush’s attorney in the defamation case, commented: “We appreciate that the new administration at USC is trying to rectify the former administration’s unjust handling of Reggie Bush’s situation, but the delay in addressing this speaks volumes.”
Following the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling allowing college athletes to receive payments for their NIL, Bush petitioned to have his Heisman Trophy reinstated, but without success. The lawsuit claims the NCAA’s statement that Bush engaged in "pay-for-play" implies he received payment specifically for playing football at USC.
In a separate development, as reported in August, Bush is finally set to reclaim his Heisman Trophy nearly 14 years after relinquishing it. “I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and to once again be part of the Heisman legacy,” Bush said. “I look forward to working with the Heisman Trust to further the organization’s mission.”
Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, added: “We are excited to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate achievements. With the significant changes in college athletics over recent years, we believe now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie, and we’re happy to have him back.”