Former USC football star Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against his alma mater, the NCAA, and the Pac-12, seeking to recoup money he believes he was owed for the use of his name, image, and likeness during his time as a college athlete. The lawsuit aims to address what Bush’s attorneys consider ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of college athletes. The goal is to set a precedent for fair treatment and compensation of all college athletes in the future.
Bush, a Heisman Trophy winner, enjoyed a successful college football career before going on to play in the NFL for 11 years. He forfeited his Heisman in 2010 due to NCAA sanctions related to his dealings with sports marketers, but the honor was recently restored. Bush is also pursuing a separate defamation lawsuit against the NCAA over its characterization of the events that led to his past troubles.
The lawsuit could potentially impact Bush’s relationship with USC, which recently welcomed him back after years of disassociation. Other former athletes, including some from Michigan and NC State, have also filed lawsuits seeking compensation for the use of their names, images, and likenesses during their college careers. The NCAA and major college conferences are working to settle antitrust lawsuits related to name, image, and likeness compensation for athletes, with a $2.78 billion settlement agreement in place. These legal actions reflect the changing landscape of college athletics following the NCAA’s rule changes in 2021 allowing athletes to profit from sponsorships and endorsements.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
