Former USC running back Reggie Bush will file a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA on Wednesday, his lawyers announced.
Reggie Bush will file a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for "maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement" in July 2021, according to the law firm representing him. https://t.co/BsexotMTKj
— ESPN (@espn) August 23, 2023
"The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation," Bush's representation from McCathern, PLLC, released in a statement.
The NCAA statement Bush and McCathern have put into question was issued to national media outlets on July 28, 2021. The statement was released in response to an inquiry about the possibility Bush would have his football participation and records at USC restored after NIL legislation was passed into law in several states across the U.S. earlier that month.
"Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements," an NCAA spokesperson said in that statement. "The NCAA infractions process exists to promote fairness in college sports. The rules that govern fair play are voted on, agreed to and expected to be upheld by all NCAA member schools."
Bush and his lawyers' defamation case is believed to be an attempt to have his 2005 Heisman Trophy reinstated. Bush forfeited the award in 2010 after a four-year extra-benefits investigation determined that, while Bush attended USC, he and his family accepted cash, travel expenses and a home in San Diego where Bush's parents lived rent-free for over a year and received $10,000 to furnish.
The Heisman Trophy Trust has long maintained that because the NCAA vacated Bush's 2005 season, he was not eligible to win the award. However, if the NCAA were to restore his records officially, it is expected that Bush's trophy would be returned – as would recognition of his Doak Walker Award and Walter Camp Award.
In three seasons as a Trojan from 2002-05, Bush carried the ball 433 times for 3,169 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also added 95 receptions for 1,301 yards and 13 scores as a receiver out of the backfield.
"The NCAA's statement is completely false and highly offensive," the McCathern statement said. "The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was never even accused of, involved in, much less sanctioned for any 'pay-for-play arrangement,' which never occurred."
Bush's required 10-year disassociation from USC ended in 2020. The Trojans welcomed the two-time consensus All-American back to the program with an honorary video that showed Bush's best moments at USC.
Welcome home, @ReggieBush. pic.twitter.com/iUYRiyB7Px
— USC Football (@uscfb) June 10, 2020
