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Reggie Bush to file defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, per report

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•08/22/23
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Former USC star and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush will file a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA on Wednesday, according to a report from ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura.

Bush’s lawsuit stems from a statement issued by an NCAA spokesperson from 2021 that said Bush was involved in a “pay-for-play arrangement.” Bonagura promised more details on the lawsuit to come.

Bush had since vacated his 2005 Heisman Trophy, among other awards. USC was also penalized after an NCAA infractions case found that Bush had received impermissible benefits. The program vacated two wins from the 2004 season and all of its wins from the 2005 season, which included a run to the BCS Championship Game.

The Trojans were also banned from multiple bowl games and were docked 30 scholarships over a three-year period.

In addition to vacating his Heisman Trophy, Bush was forced to vacate the Doak Walker Award and the Walter Camp Award in 2005.

Bush’s college career was something to remember, vacated trophies and wins or not.

The former USC standout was absolutely electric, and his junior season was next level. Bush ran for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior in 2005, while also catching 37 passes for 478 yards and two touchdowns. He was an elite return specialist, too, racking up 493 kick return yards and 179 punt return yards, as well as a touchdown.

In three years with the Trojans, Bush accounted for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing, as well as 1,301 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He scored four times on returns.

Bush would go on to have quite a successful professional career, winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints, even.

As pro, Bush spent 11 years plying his trade, suiting up for five different professional franchises during the regular season. He logged 5,490 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, while also totaling 3,598 yards and 18 touchdowns receiving.

Bush also scored four times on punt returns, including three in the 2008 season alone.

Following his career in the NFL, Bush transitioned into media. He was an analyst with FOX Sports until recently, when it was announced that Mark Ingram would replace Bush’s role on Big Noon Kickoff.