Reggie Bush plans to file lawsuit against NCAA for defamation

Former USC running back Reggie Bush is preparing to file a lawsuit against the NCAA on Wednesday for defamation. 

The suit stems from a statement the college sports governing body made in 2021 about the possibility that Bush could have his records and participation restored due to changes to name, image and likeness rules, his lawyers said in a statement.

Bush is planning a press conference on Wednesday at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to discuss his suit. 

“The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation,” the law firm McCathern, PLLC said in a statement Tuesday night.

“Specifically, on July 28, 2021, the NCAA … falsely issued a statement to reporters that because of Mr. Bush’s prior involvement in a ‘pay-for-play arrangement,’ the NCAA would not consider restoring his collegiate records that it vacated in 2010, which subsequently resulted in Mr. Bush having to return his Heisman Trophy [the first player in history to do so].

“Within less than a day, this false statement was republished by no less than 20 different media organizations and circulated to readers around the world.”

Bush has made a lengthy push to have his 2005 Heisman Trophy reinstated after it was found, following a lengthy investigation, that the running back and his family accepted cash, travel expenses and a home in San Diego where his parents lived without having to pay rent. 

After multiple outlets asked two years ago — in the wake of NIL — if Bush would get his trophy back, the organization mentioned the “pay-for-play type arrangements” that the former running back’s lawyers mentioned in their statement.

“Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements,” the NCAA said in a statement on June 28, 2021.

“The NCAA infractions process exists to promote fairness in college sports. The rules that govern fair play are voted on, agreed to and expected to be upheld by all NCAA member schools.”

Bush’s suit contends that saying he was involved in the “pay-for-play” was wrong and offensive. 

“The NCAA’s statement is completely false and highly offensive,” the McCathern statement continued. “The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was never even accused of, involved in, much less sanctioned for any ‘pay-for-play arrangement,’ which never occurred.”

The former USC running back was placed on a 10-year disassociation penalty from the NCAA, which had come to an end in June.

A two-time American during his three seasons at USC, Bush rushed for 1,740 yards and snagged 37 receptions as he compiled 18 total touchdowns during his standout 2005 campaign.