Reggie Bush is suing the NCAA for defamation, for alleging that he received improper benefits while playing for the USC Trojans.
An NCAA investigation alleged that Bush and his family members received cash, free housing, a car and other benefits while he attended USC. After the investigation, the NCAA stripped USC of its 2004 NCAA championship. Bush later forfeited his 2005 Heisman Trophy.
Bush’s suit, which he announced Wednesday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, specifically mentions statements the NCAA made in 2021 about Bush being involved in a “pay-for-play” situation.
“[This pay-for-play claim] was 100% not true,” Bush said during Wednesday’s announcement. “This is a new accusation as far as I’m concerned. This was picked up … as if this was reason why I’m not getting my Heisman Trophy back and why I’m not being reinstated.”
Bush’s attorney, Ben Crump, criticized the NCAA for having a “plantation mentality,” and that they “treat athletes as indentured servants.”
Reggie Bush is suing the NCAA and he’s announcing it on the roof of the Coliseum, his no. 5 notably missing from the retired USC numbers below pic.twitter.com/GYOxv7jK3v
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) August 23, 2023
Bush would go on to play 11 seasons in the NFL after being drafted No. 2 overall in 2006.
Of course, under today’s NCAA rules, where athletes are vying for the most lucrative NIL contracts, the allegations against Bush seem antiquated. Sports fans quickly reacted to news of the lawsuit, with the overwhelming majority strongly supporting Bush’s move.
He broke the rules and deserves the punishment he was given. What sense does it make to now say "ok you can have your trophy back because we are changing the rules."?
— Chuck Leno (@ChuckLeno1) August 23, 2023
Reggie Bush suing the NCAA for defamation is correct. They need to give him his damn Heisman back. Stuff he did was nothing that is illegal today.
— 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒌 🐦⬛🏈🇬🇪🇺🇦🇱🇻 (@CarasikS) August 23, 2023
He's right. Bush never took "pay to play." His parents were taking money from agents who were trying to get him to turn pro.
Reggie Bush will sue NCAA for defamation https://t.co/xWaBxtOXKG
— Rick Reilly (@ReillyRick) August 23, 2023
Reggie Bush suing the NCAA for defamation is absolutely the move #freereggie✌🏼
— Graybird (@22Graybird) August 23, 2023
Time to put the stake through the @ncaa now. Hopefully Reggie Bush exposes them in court for all the corruption they have gotten away with and we can wipe the @ncaa off the
face of the earth for good.— Stephen Arakawa (@trojan8) August 23, 2023
Rooting for #ReggieBush. Time to get his heisman back!
— Knarf (@FrankSolis) August 23, 2023
