• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 10, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

NCAA Fights Back Against Reggie Bush’s Defamation Case

  • Over the summer, former USC star Reggie Bush launched his latest attempt to get his Heisman Trophy back.
  • Last week, the NCAA filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The NCAA is fighting back against a defamation lawsuit Reggie Bush filed as part of a campaign to get his Heisman Trophy back.
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen

In August, former USC star Reggie Bush launched his latest attempt to get his Heisman Trophy back: a defamation case against the NCAA. The NCAA is now fighting back.

Last week, the NCAA filed a motion to dismiss the case — filed in Indiana county court — which centers around a comment made by an NCAA spokesperson in 2021.

“Bush has spent more than a decade trying to collaterally attack these findings in the court of public opinion,” the NCAA said in court documents reviewed by Front Office Sports. “This lawsuit represents his latest effort in that vein, and it stems from an unlikely place—a 2021 statement that does not mention Bush at all.”

After the NCAA changed its name, image, and likeness rules in 2021, many asked the NCAA if it would reverse an infractions decision that stripped Bush of his NCAA records, eligibility, and Heisman Trophy due to “impermissible benefits” he received while at USC. 

The governing body’s response, which generally implied the NCAA would not revisit previous decisions, also used the phrase “pay-for-play.” 

“This is a new accusation, as far as I’m concerned,” Bush said in a press conference when the lawsuit was filed in August.

He said he has never been accused of receiving “pay-for-play” inducements, or payment for playing at USC. Instead, he was accused of receiving benefits from family friend Lloyd Lake, who allegedly gave him and his family benefits in exchange for Lake representing Bush in his future NFL career. 

But the NCAA disagreed. It said Bush absolutely did receive benefits that could be considered “pay-for-play” — and therefore, the statement could not be considered defamatory, according to court documents.

“There was nothing defamatory about the NCAA’s statements in 2021, and the Court should reject Bush’s attempt to use the litigation process to rewrite history,” the governing body wrote. 

While a win in the case wouldn’t directly result in Bush getting his Heisman back, the lawsuit — and ensuing media attention — puts extra pressure on the NCAA to relent to his demands. 

The Heisman Trust, an entity separate from the NCAA, has said that if the NCAA reversed its decision, it would look forward to “welcoming him back into the Heisman family.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
Oregon Ducks inside linebacker Will Straton celebrates a stop as the Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State Beavers Sept. 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

CBS Eyes Breakthrough As Big Ten Ratings Still Lag Behind SEC

The network will air No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon on Saturday.
exclusive

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected Next Week

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium
October 8, 2025

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
October 9, 2025

What If UNC and Belichick Part Ways? The Buyout Structure Is …..

If Belichick is fired without cause in his last two seasons, UNC owes him nothing.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 8, 2025

NCAA Revises the Transfer Portal Windows Around Coaching Changes

The exception for coaching changes is shifting.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive
October 7, 2025

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

Under the proposal, Big Ten would spin assets into a new entity.
Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks onto the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.
October 7, 2025

Big Ten Teams Grapple With Long Flights, Time-Zone Hurdles

Coaches across the country are noticing some impact.
October 7, 2025

NIL Hits Week 1: Auburn’s Atlanta Game Marks Next Step in Player..

The teams will play in the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game.