Reggie Bush’s Lawsuit Against USC, Pac-12, and NCAA: Important Case Details

Former USC athlete Reggie Bush is suing Pac-12, USC, and the NCAA for using his name, image, and likeness (NIL). Reggie Bush’s lawsuit covers proposed unfair NIL. According to his legal team, the three defendant parties have been using since his time as a college athlete. Read to learn more about Reggie Bush’s football career and the details of his lawsuit. 

Bush’s Football Career

Reggie Bush is a former USC football player known for his numerous achievements on and off the field. Of his greatest awards, he has received the Heisman Trophy and All-American Honors twice. Presently, Bush works as a sports commentary analyst for Fox Sports. At the time of his award, he had a reported 1,740 rushed yards, 200 carries, and 18 total touchdowns. 

In an infamous NCAA investigation, officials took away his Heisman years after he earned it in 2005. The investigation, conducted through USC entities, found that Bush had received wrongful benefits tied to the award, which he wasn’t allowed to accept. As a result, Bush voluntarily gave up his award in 2010.

Years later, in 2014, rule changes within the NCAA effectively changed the circumstances regarding Bush’s initial investigation. USC’s retrospective action reinstated his Heisman Award. The college also re-introduced his name and history into university sports displays in 2024. 

Reggie Bush’s Lawsuit 

Reggie Bush’s lawsuit stands upon the claim that USC, the NCAA, and the Pac-12 conference repeatedly used his name, image, and likeness for substantial profits. His team further claims that the college and others made these NIL usages and financial gains during his time there and after he left.

In the words of his attorney, the defendants have earned “millions upon millions of dollars of money, all derived directly from Reggie Bush’s name, image and likeness. To this day, all Defendants continue to profit from Reggie Bush’s name, image, and likeness without compensating Bush one penny.”

Bush’s legal team firmly states that their lawsuit is multi-faceted. They are not simply seeking the repayment of well-earned NIL money but fighting for a future where college athletes receive fair treatment for their contributions to college sports media.

“Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated, and treated fairly for their contributions,” one of Bush’s attorneys stated. 

Statements and Reactions to The Lawsuit 

When asked by news outlets, USC has failed to respond meaningfully regarding the incident. According to CNN, they reportedly stated, “Reggie will always be a revered member of the Trojan Family, and we were very pleased to support his successful efforts to recover his Heisman Trophy. We have not received a copy of the lawsuit, so we are unable to address its allegations.”

Following the reinstation of Bush’s Heisman Trophy, the university reignited its relationship with Bush’s image. For instance, the university re-displayed Bush’s retired No. 5 jersey on its campus. 

On the other hand, when asked about the lawsuit, Pac-12 has refused to provide a public statement. 

Bush’s team asserts that the reaction of all defendants is a testament to their care regarding the situation. In the words of one of his attorneys, “We appreciate that the new administration at USC is trying to pick up the pieces of the former administrations’ unjust and improper handling of Reggie Bush … however, the delay in fixing this speaks volumes.”

At the moment, there is not much development in the news about Reggie Bush’s lawsuits. The defendants are not eager to comment publicly or clarify their ideas about the situation. We must keep an eye on this lawsuit to track future developments. As a substantial case, it may be a defining moment for collegiate athletes nationwide. The world of professional sports is a high-earning industry. Big decisions regarding the fair treatment of all players could lead to some great philanthropic possibilities in the future.