Reggie Bush Seeks NIL Compensation in Lawsuit Against USC, Pac-12, and NCAA

Reggie Bush, a former star running back at the University of Southern California (USC) and the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, has filed a lawsuit against USC, the Pac-12 Conference, and the NCAA. He argues that these entities used his name, image, and likeness (NIL) for profit without compensating him. Bush's legal team asserts that this case aims not just to seek justice for Bush but also to set a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes.

"This case is not merely about seeking justice for Reggie Bush; it’s about establishing a standard for the fair treatment of all college athletes," stated Bush’s attorney, Evan Selik, in a statement. "Our objective is to correct this injustice and establish a system where athletes are rightly recognized and compensated for their contributions."

According to Bush's legal representatives, the entities involved generated substantial profits directly tied to Bush’s prominence and continued to benefit financially even after he left for the NFL. In response, USC expressed its respect for Bush as a cherished member of the Trojan Family but noted that it hadn't received a copy of the lawsuit and thus couldn't comment on its specifics. While CNN reached out to the NCAA for a statement, the Pac-12 chose not to comment. Another of Bush's attorneys, Levi McCathern II, commented on USC's recent attempts to address past injustices but expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in rectifying the situation.

In 2005, Bush won the Heisman Trophy after amassing 1,740 rushing yards and scoring 18 touchdowns for USC. However, in 2010, he voluntarily returned the award following an NCAA investigation that revealed he received several thousand dollars' worth of benefits and a vehicle, rendering him ineligible from 2004.

Although college athletes can now receive compensation for their NIL, Bush’s Heisman Trophy was only returned to him in April after the Heisman Trust cited significant changes in college athletics.

Furthermore, in May, an agreement was reached—though currently stalled by US District Judge Claudia Wilken—among the NCAA and the Power Five conferences to settle three antitrust cases, permitting schools to compensate student-athletes. The proposed settlement, which could exceed $2.7 billion in damages to past and present athletes, has been put on hold as Judge Wilken raised concerns about the provisions limiting third-party NIL opportunities.

"I’m worried about the third-party NIL restrictions," Wilken said. "I’m concerned that (the settlement) may restrict future opportunities for athletes."

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