Reggie Bush, former USC football star, has filed a lawsuit against his school, the NCAA, and the Pac-12 to recoup money made on his name, image, and likeness during his college career. The lawsuit aims to address ongoing injustices related to the exploitation of Bush’s image while playing for USC. Bush’s attorneys are seeking fair treatment and compensation for all college athletes, setting a precedent for the future.
Despite forfeiting his Heisman Trophy in 2010 and facing sanctions related to dealings with sports marketers, Bush’s honor was recently restored by the Heisman Trust. He is also pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA over the circumstances that led to his troubles. The new lawsuit may affect Bush’s relationship with USC, which has recently been positive following the school’s acknowledgement of past injustices.
Bush is not the only former athlete seeking compensation for their college careers under new NIL rules in college athletics. Others, such as Denard Robinson, Braylon Edwards, and former NC State basketball players, have also filed lawsuits against the NCAA and conferences. The NCAA and major college conferences are working to settle antitrust lawsuits related to NIL compensation, with a settlement agreement in place to pay billions to college athletes.
The NCAA’s rule changes in 2021 allowing athletes to make money through sponsorships and endorsements have sparked legal action from former athletes seeking compensation for the use of their names, images, and likenesses during their college careers.
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