In Los Angeles, former USC football star Reggie Bush has taken legal action against his alma mater, the NCAA, and the Pac-12 Conference. This lawsuit is aimed at recovering compensation for the use of his name, image, and likeness during his time at USC, roughly two decades ago. On Monday, Bush’s attorneys made an announcement regarding the filing, stating that their client deserves to be paid “to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of Reggie Bush’s name, image, and likeness during his tenure as a USC football player.”
Bush’s attorney, Evan Selik, emphasized that this case goes beyond just Bush. “This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush,” he stated. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes.” The hope is to create a fairer landscape where athletes are recognized and compensated properly for their contributions.
In recent years, Reggie Bush has been recognized as one of the most electrifying players in college football history. He had a standout career at USC from 2003 to 2005, where he helped secure two national championships and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy. However, the honor was stripped from him in 2010 due to sanctions levied against USC linked to his dealings with sports marketers. Earlier this year, the Heisman Trust reinstated his trophy, acknowledging the significant changes in college athletics.
Reggie Bush isn’t alone in this pursuit as many former athletes are seeking compensation for their past college careers. Recently, former Michigan players Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards filed lawsuits against the NCAA and the Big Ten Network. Additionally, former players from NC State’s 1983 championship-winning basketball team also took legal action regarding the use of their names.
Amid these developments, the NCAA is actively working to settle various ongoing antitrust lawsuits related to the NIL compensation for athletes. A significant settlement of approximately $2.78 billion is being arranged that would impact hundreds of thousands of college athletes. In 2021, the NCAA finally changed its rules to permit athletes to earn money through sponsorships and endorsement deals, a decision that came after much resistance.
As for Bush’s relationship with USC, it remains to be seen how these new legal actions will impact the bonds forged earlier this year. The university had previously ordered a disassociation from Bush following the 2010 ruling, but recent efforts indicated a warm reception, including a plan for him to lead the current Trojans at a game this season.
