Former USC football star Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against his alma mater, the NCAA, and the Pac-12, seeking to recoup money he believes he is owed for the use of his name, image, and likeness during his college career. Bush’s attorneys argue that he should be compensated to address ongoing injustices in the exploitation of college athletes. The lawsuit aims to set a precedent for fair treatment of all college athletes and pave the way for proper recognition and compensation.
Bush, who won the Heisman Trophy during his time at USC, was forced to forfeit the award in 2010 due to NCAA sanctions related to his dealings with sports marketers. The Heisman Trust recently reinstated his honor, recognizing changes in college athletics since then. Bush is also pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA over their characterization of his situation.
The lawsuit may impact Bush’s relationship with USC, which recently welcomed him back and restored his Heisman Trophy and retired jersey number. Other former athletes, such as Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards from Michigan, and members of NC State’s 1983 NCAA championship-winning basketball team, have also filed lawsuits seeking compensation for use of their name, image, and likeness.
The NCAA and major college conferences are working to settle antitrust lawsuits related to NIL compensation for athletes, with a $2.78 billion settlement agreement in place. The NCAA changed its rules in 2021 to allow athletes to profit from sponsorships and endorsements, marking a significant shift from their previous stance against such compensation.
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