Reggie Bush Suing NCAA Again, This Time for NIL Back Pay

Reggie Bush is suing the NCAA again. 

The former USC star and Heisman Trophy winner has filed a lawsuit against his alma mater, the NCAA, and Pac-12 Conference over exploitation of his NIL (name, image, and likeness) during his time with the Trojans. The lawsuit is similar to one filed this summer by players from the 1983 NC State men’s basketball team.

The legendary former running back led the Trojans to a national title in 2004, but he had his Heisman from that year stripped due to improper benefits. The Heisman Trust returned that trophy earlier this year, citing changes in NIL payment rules.

Despite the NCAA investigation and punishment, his school continued to benefit from his likeness, profiting through media rights, merchandise, and the like, the lawsuit says.

“This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush; it’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes, said Evan Selik, one of Bush’s lawyers, in a statement. “Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.”

Bush has another lawsuit with the NCAA for defamation after a spokesperson for the organization said Bush was part of “pay-for-play arrangements.” A Indiana Commercial Court judge denied the NCAA’s request to dismiss the case in May.

Both Bush’s latest lawsuit and the NC State cases are part of a string of recent legal challenges over unpaid NIL. Neither is eligible for the ongoing House v. NCAA class-action lawsuit that could see almost $3 billion in damages distributed to athletes four years before its filing, which dates back to the 2016 collegiate season. The case could have implications on revenue sharing and pay-for-play whenever it gets settled. 

“We appreciate that the new administration at USC is trying to pick up the pieces of the former administrations’ unjust and improper handling of Reggie Bush, however, the delay in fixing this speaks volumes,” said Levi G. McCathern II, another one of Bush’s attorneys.