Former NFL player Reggie Bush is taking legal action against his alma mater, the University of Southern California, along with the Pac-12 Conference and the NCAA, in an attempt to receive compensation for their use of his name and likeness during his time as a star running back at the school 20 years ago. Bush’s attorney, Evan Selik, stated that the lawsuit is about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of college athletes and ensuring they are recognized, compensated, and treated fairly for their contributions. This comes after the NCAA changed its rules in 2021 to allow athletes to profit from sponsorship and endorsement deals.
Bush, who played at USC from 2003 to 2005 and later had an 11-year career in the NFL, recently had his Heisman trophy from 2005 reinstated following the rule changes. He had been stripped of the award in 2010 after an NCAA investigation found he had received impermissible benefits during his time at the school. Bush is also pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA related to the Heisman scandal.
This lawsuit is part of a larger trend of athletes seeking compensation for their time as college stars. Other former athletes, including Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards from Michigan, have also filed lawsuits against the NCAA and Big Ten Network for similar reasons. Bush’s case highlights the ongoing debate over the rights and compensation of college athletes.
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