Reggie Bush is suing USC, the PAC 12 and the NCAA for the use of his name, image and likeness without compensation. Bush is one of the most recognizable college football players of all time, winning the Heisman Trophy and two national championships.
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According to court filings from Bush's legal team, the former Trojan claims that the three organizations were handsomely paid for the work he put in. His lawyers identify television contracts, merchandise sales and media rights as some of the revenue streams Bush never saw compensation for but had a great influence on.
Reggie Bush and Counsel Says Its About More Than Money
On Monday Bush's attorneys released a statement claiming the case "aims to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of Reggie Bush's name, image, and likeness during his tenure as a USC football player." Attorney Evan Selik added that the suit is about more than justice for Bush.
"It's about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. 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 Had His Share of Disputes With the NCAA
Bush became one of the most decorated college football players in history as a running back for the USC Trojans in the mid-2000's. In his three years USC went 37-2 and won two national championships. In his junior year he won the Heisman after rushing for 1,740 yards with 18 touchdowns, but sadly had to return it after an NCAA investigation ruled the former Trojans star and his family accepted impermissible benefits. The Heisman Trust reinstated Bush as the winner in April, citing "enormous changes in the college football landscape" as a factor in its decision.
Bush is still pursuing the separate defamation lawsuit he filed against the NCAA last year over the governing body's 2021 characterization of the circumstances that led to Bush's troubles.
