Reggie Bush sues NCAA, USC and Pac-12 for damages over use of his name, image and likeness

Former USC running back Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against USC, the Pac-12 and the NCAA, seeking compensation for his name, image and likeness during his time as a star player for the Trojans.

In the filing, Bush's legal team points out that all three companies received significant compensation thanks to Bush's efforts. The revenue sources they identify include television contracts, merchandise sales and media rights, all of which are tied to Bush's career. Like most athletes at the time, Bush received no direct compensation from the university or the NCAA for his play.

“This case is not just about getting justice for Reggie Bush,” said Evan Selik, the attorney representing Bush, in a statement. “It is about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to correct this injustice and pave the way for a system in which athletes receive the recognition, compensation and fair treatment they deserve for their achievements.”

Bush was a legendary figure in the mid-2000s and became one of the most recognizable college football players of all time. As a junior, Bush rushed for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He and quarterback Matt Leinart became the first active teammates to both hold Heisman Trophies since Army in the 1940s.

The award was revoked due to NCAA violations related to improper benefits, but earlier this year the Heisman Trust finally received returned Bush's trophy to him. USC later responded by putting Bush's banner with the number 5 back in the stadium, which is a Trojans tradition they usually maintain for every Heisman winner.

“We welcome the fact that the new USC administration is trying to pick up the pieces of the previous administration's unfair and inappropriate treatment of Reggie Bush. However, the delay in resolving this issue speaks volumes,” said Levi G. McCathern II, a lawyer for Bush.

The Bush case is just the latest in a series of important legal disputes related to NIL. Most notably, the class action lawsuit House v. NCAA, which was filed shortly before a important legal agreement This could open the door to revenue sharing and pay-for-play at the college level. The potential $2.8 billion in damages would only be paid to athletes who played in the four years before the case was filed, which is since the 2016 season.

However, former players from NC State's 1983 national championship-winning basketball team also sued the NCAA in June for zero compensation. In the suit, the players claim that the NCAA continues to profit from them by marketing archival footage. Bush may have a similar case.

Bush has a separate action A defamation lawsuit is underway against the NCAA after a spokesman claimed Bush was involved in “pay-for-play arrangements.”