Reggie Bush, a former running back for USC and the NFL, declared on Wednesday that he is suing the NCAA for defamation after the governing body claimed he engaged in “pay-to-play” behavior while a Trojan, costing him the Heisman trophy.
Bush: NCAA’s allegations against him of engaging in a pay-for-play system were completely untrue
In an article from KNX News, Bush claimed at a press conference outside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum that the NCAA’s allegations against him of engaging in a pay-for-play system were completely untrue. Not only is that untrue, but there is also no proof to back up that assertion.
According to ESPN, USC incurred sanctions in 2010 as a result of an NCAA investigation into allegations that Bush and his family got cash, reimbursement for travel costs, and a property in San Diego where Bush’s parents were given rent-free housing while Bush was a student-athlete.
Bush decided to give up his 2005 Heisman Trophy in September 2010.
Bush filed a lawsuit in July 2021 to reclaim the Heisman Trophy, claiming, “I am adamant that I earned the Heisman Trophy’solely’ as a result of my hard work and dedication on the football field and I am equally adamant that my records should be restored.”
The Heisman Trust said that after many weeks, the NCAA had not restored Bush’s 2005 season records. As a result, according to the Heisman Trust’s rules and those listed on the Heisman Ballot, he is not qualified to receive the 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy.
Reggie maintained that he was never paid for his play. The breaches they discovered were relatively minor and were based on poor research, a lousy investigation, and poor work by the NCAA.
Additionally, Bush’s legal team resubmitted a petition to the NCAA asking for the restoration of Bush’s collegiate achievements.
From Los Angeles Magazine, Bush was a USC player from 2003 to 2005. From then until 2016, he was a member of the NFL. He presently works for Fox Sports as a college football analyst.
Bush informed reporters that although he had aspirations of returning to the Coliseum and exiting the tunnel with the Trojan football team, “I can’t rightfully do that without my Heisman Trophy.”
A request for comment from the NCAA was not immediately met with a response.
Bush’s prize may be returned, according to Heisman Trust representatives, if the NCAA allowed for his re-instatement. However, the NCAA dissented, making a statement in 2021 that made reference to “pay-to-play.”
Bush and his counsel disputed the findings of the NCAA probe once more on Wednesday.
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