Reggie Bush Suing USC Trojans, NCAA, Pac-12 In Name, Image, Likeness Lawsuit

Heisman Trophy winner and USC Trojans legend Reggie Bush is suing the USC Trojans, NCAA, Pac-12 in a Name, Image, Likeness lawsuit.

USC trojans legendary running back Reggie Bush is suing the USC Trojans, NCAA and Pac-12 in Name, Image, Likeness Lawsuit. / Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Heisman Trophy winner and USC Trojans legend Reggie Bush is suing the USC Trojans, NCAA, Pac-12 in a Name, Image, Likeness lawsuit.

The former USC running back is seeking compensation for NIL being used without permission, according to a report by CBS.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans former running back Reggie Bush attends the game against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Quite the turn of events.

In 2010, Bush had to forfeit his Heisman Trophy in wake of NCAA sanctions for USC, including Bush receiving improper benefits during his Trojans career (2003 to 2005.)

Bush has his 2005 Heisman Trophy back, as the Heisman Trust announced the formal "reinstatement" of the trophy to Bush in April of 2024, after what it calls "enormous changes in the college football landscape."

Bush's lawsuit asks for compensation from the revenue he produced for USC, Pac-12 and NCAA off television contracts, merchandise sales and media rights.

Of course, at the time no college athletes were allowed to be paid.

Which brings up a similar pending legality regarding NIL - the House v. NCAA settlement

If approved, schools could share $20 to $23 million annually with athletes. Roughly $2.77 billion in back damages will also be paid out to former athletes (who played from 2016- 2024) for lost revenue sharing and NIL opportunities.

It's been a busy year for Bush.

In USC's season opener vs. the LSU Tigers, Bush was sideline at a Trojans game for the first time since getting his Heisman trophy reinstated. Then, the USC Football program revealed that both Bush's No. 5 jersey will be retired. The retired jerseys of all of USC's Heisman Trophy winners are displayed at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Reggie Bush during a 2004 USC game. Xxx Usc Col State Bush Td Rh563 Jpg S Fbc Usa Ca / Robert Hanashiro via Imagn Content Services, LLC

A long time coming... Bush is invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, beginning in the 2024 season.

Bush also received the invite to the popular Nissan Heisman House commercials, that welcome the newest Heisman Trophy winner into the fold. This year's commercial features the inclusion of former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels while the house also also "unfroze" Bush.

Now, he might have a major payday coming his way.

During his junior season at USC, Bush ran for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns on 200 carries. Therunning back also added 478 receiving yards and two more scores to finish with 2,218 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns.

It's highly regarded as one of the best college football single seasons of all time and Bush won the Heisman Trophy.

Bush finished his career with 433 rushes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns and 95 receptions for 1,301 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Winner of the Doak Walker Award and Walter Camp Award, Bush won two national titles for USC and was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, selected by the New Orleans Saints.

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