USC Legends Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart React to Start of NCAA's NIL Laws

As of July 1, college athletes can take advantage of their own name, image and likeness.

Lookout world, a new era of college sports has officially began.

As of today, July 1, student athletes across the country are now allowed to make money from various business ventures without losing their eligibility. This is a first for the NCAA, as previously capitalizing on name, image, and likeness was not allowed or authorized by state laws and the NCAA.

According to ESPN, "name, image and likeness rights are also frequently called an individual's right to publicity. NCAA athletes will be able to accept money from businesses in exchange for allowing the business to feature them in advertisements or products. Athletes also will be allowed to use their own status as a college athlete to promote their own public appearances or companies for the first time."

For many, this is a longtime in the making, as numerous people believe college athletes should receive fair compensation when they help generate billions of dollars in revenue for college sports each year.

Several former players, current players and even recruits took to social media ahead of July 1 to share their feelings on the situation. Here are their thoughts and reactions:

USC Basketball Guard Tahj Eaddy "Happy for the homies"

Happy for the homies 🔥📈 https://t.co/Jr9erKEhT2

— Tahj Eaddy (@2Teazy) June 30, 2021

USC Football CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart "I'm Ready Youtube Hitting a Million Subscribers"

USC 22' CB Commit Jaeden Gould 

✌🏽 https://t.co/0DgUjQsCWx

— Jaeden Gould (@JaedenGould5) June 30, 2021

Oklahoma Quarterback Spencer Rattler

pic.twitter.com/tt1R11c5vI

— Spencer Rattler (@SpencerRattler) July 1, 2021

Former USC RB Reggie Bush " Well well well...look what we have here"

Well well well….look what we have here 😏

— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) July 1, 2021

Former USC QB Matt Leinart "I want to go back to college"

I want to go back to college! 🤷🏻‍♂️

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) July 1, 2021

Johnny Manziel "Give Reggie Bush his Heisman back while we're at it"

Give Reggie Bush his Heisman back while we’re at it

— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) July 1, 2021

ESPN Personality Jay Bilas "Hey NCAA: since you have now admitted that college athletes are professional, how about righting past wrongs and reinstating the records of Reggie Bush, the Fab Five, and countless others you mistreated over the phony concept of amateurism? It was unfair then, and clearly so now."

Hey NCAA: since you have now admitted that college athletes are professional, how about righting past wrongs and reinstating the records of Reggie Bush, the Fab Five, and countless others you mistreated over the phony concept of amateurism? It was unfair then, and clearly so now.

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) July 1, 2021

----

You may also like:

USC in the NFL: Michael Pittman Jr. Recaps 2020 Season, "It Wasn't What I Was Hoping For"

Will USC have a stronger WR unit than Oregon? Insider Predicts...

Looking ahead at USC's 2021 schedule: Report Predicts USC Will Lose Two Big Games in 2021

----

Be sure to stay locked into AllTrojans all the time!

Follow AllTrojans on Twitter: @SI_AllTrojans

Follow Claudette Montana Pattison on Twitter: @claudette_mp

Like and follow AllTrojans on Facebook

Subscribe on YOUTUBE!

For more USC news visit www.alltrojans.com