Reggie Bush sues USC, Pac-12 and NCAA for NO compensation

Former USC running back and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against the university, the Pac-12 and the NCAA, seeking compensation for his name, image and likeness during his time with the program.

The lawsuit states that Bush's legal team said the three organizations received significant compensation in the form of television contracts, merchandise sales and media rights thanks to Bush's “significant popularity” and “notoriety.”

Bush's lawyers also stated in a press release that even after he left USC to play in the NFL, the three companies continued to profit financially from his reputation “without any recognition of his contributions.”

“This case is not just about getting justice for Reggie Bush,” said Evan Selik, one of the attorneys representing Bush. “It's about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to correct this injustice and pave the way for a system in which athletes receive the recognition, compensation and fair treatment they deserve for their achievements.”

The Pac-12 declined to comment on Bush's lawsuit, while USC did not immediately respond to ESPN's request for comment.

In three seasons at USC, Bush became one of the most successful college players of his era. His 1,740 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in his junior season earned him the Heisman Trophy that year. However, the Heisman was stripped by both USC and Bush in 2010 due to NCAA violations related to improper benefits.

USC also lost its 2004 national title, the first time a major college football program had been stripped of a national championship. The NCAA also stripped USC of 14 games that Bush played, including the blowout BCS victory over Oklahoma.

For this reason, Bush had no connection with the school until recently.

The introduction of name, image and likeness compensation for current college athletes in 2021 prompted Bush and his legal team to act. He began lobbying for the return of his trophy, and Bush filed a separate, ongoing lawsuit against the NCAA for defamation after a spokesman alleged that Bush was involved in “pay-for-play arrangements.”

Earlier this year, the Heisman Trust reinstated Bush's award, citing “tremendous changes in the college football landscape” as the reason Bush and USC had become closer again. His retired No. 5 jersey — which had been removed from the peristyle of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum following NCAA sanctions — was returned and displayed at USC's home opener this season.

“We welcome the fact that the new USC administration is attempting to pick up the pieces of the previous administrations' unfair and inappropriate treatment of Reggie Bush,” said Levi G. McCathern II, another of Bush's attorneys. “However, the delay in resolving this issue speaks volumes.”

Bush and USC also reportedly had talks about hiring him to lead the team out of the tunnel for one game this season.