Bush takes legal action against USC, Pac-12, NCAA for NIL ‘injustice’

Paolo Uggetti, ESPNSep 23, 2024, 03:18 PM ET Former USC running back and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush announced that he has submitted a claim versus the university, the Pac-12 and the NCAA, seeking payment for his name, image and similarity during his time with the program.Bush’s legal team states that the 3 companies made substantial settlement thanks to Bush’s” substantial popularity “and”prominence” by way of television contracts, product sales and media rights.Bush’s lawyers

likewise stated in a release that even after he left USC to play in the NFL, the three entities continued to benefit economically from his track record “with no acknowledgment of his contribution.”

“This case is not almost seeking justice for Reggie Bush,” Evan Selik, among the lawyers representing Bush, stated. “It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our objective is to rectify this oppression and lead the way for a system where athletes are rightfully acknowledged, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.”

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1 Associated” Reggie will constantly be a revered member of the Trojan Household, and we were extremely pleased to support his successful efforts to recuperate his Heisman Trophy,” the university stated in a declaration. “We have not gotten a copy of the suit so we are unable to address its accusations.”

The Pac-12 declined to comment on Bush’s lawsuit.In three seasons

at USC, Bush became one of the most prolific college players of his age. His 1,740 rushing backyards and 18 total goals throughout his junior season resulted in him winning the Heisman Trophy that year. That Heisman, however, was surrendered in 2010 by both USC and Bush due to NCAA offenses surrounding impermissible benefits.USC likewise needed to leave the 2004 nationwide title– the very first time a major college football program was removed of a championship game. The NCAA likewise stripped USC of success in 14 games that Bush played, including that BCS title blowout victory over Oklahoma.As an outcome, Bush was not connected with the school in any method till recently.The adoption of name, image and similarity payment for current college professional athletes in 2021 prompted action from Bush and his legal group.

He started lobbying for his prize to be returned, and Bush submitted a separate, continuous claim versus the NCAA for libel after a representative declared that Bush was associated with” pay-for-play plans.” Earlier this year, the Heisman Trust restored Bush’s award, mentioning”huge changes in the college football landscape, “which resulted in Bush and USC becoming reacquainted. His retired No. 5 jersey– which had been eliminated from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum peristyle after the NCAA sanctions were handed down– was restored and showed at USC’s home opener this season. “We value that the new administration at USC is trying to get the pieces of the previous administrations ‘unfair and incorrect handling of Reggie Bush,”Levi G. McCathern, II, another among Bush’s attorneys, stated.”Nevertheless, the hold-up in repairing this speaks volumes.” Bush and USC had actually likewise remained in reported speak to have him lead the group out of the tunnel for a game this season.