LOS ANGELES — Former USC running back and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush has filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA.
According to Bush’s attorneys Levi G. McCathern and Ty M. Sheaks, “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.
“Specifically, on July 28, 2021, the NCAA, by and through its authorized spokesperson, 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.”
In a statement obtained by The Sporting Tribune, Bush’s attorneys state, “the NCAA’s statement is completely false and highly offensive. The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was never even accused of, involved in, much less sanctioned for any ‘pay–for–play arrangement’ which never occurred.”
Bush will speak at a news conference at the President’s Suite at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday. Bush forfeited the Heisman Trophy in 2010 after a four-year extra-benefits investigation. Bush’s required 10-year disassociation from USC ended in 2020 and the school has talked about re-retiring his No. 5 jersey at the Coliseum.
