Reggie Bush finally has his Heisman Trophy back, but that does not mean all is well between the former USC star and the NCAA.
Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA last year over a statement that was made in July 2021. In response to Bush seeking to have his records restored, an NCAA spokesperson said the former running back was involved in a “play-for-play” arrangement while in college.
“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 spokesperson said at the time. “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 attorneys said the statement was “completely false and highly offensive.” They responded by filing a defamation lawsuit.
On Wednesday, the Heisman Trophy Trust reinstated Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy, which had been taken away in 2010 over an investigation that revealed Bush received improper benefits at USC. Many wondered if that would inspire Bush to drop his lawsuit against the NCAA, but that is not happening.
Bush’s attorneys blasted the NCAA during a news conference on Thursday. They said they would still pursue the defamation lawsuit.
“Shame on you, NCAA. Why does it take so long to do the right thing? Why does it take so long to have common sense?” Bush’s lawyer Levi McCathern said.
Another one of Bush’s lawyers, Ben Crump, said the Heisman Trust did the right thing and asked when the NCAA is “going to get on the right side of history.”
Even though he has his Heisman Trophy back, Bush’s records from his outstanding 2005 season still have not been restored by the NCAA. Bush rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries for the Trojans that year (an average of 8.7 yards per carry) and scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 2005. He also had 37 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns.
The 39-year-old Bush has threatened to expose the NCAA in the past. It does not sound like his feelings have changed.
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