Report: Reggie Bush defamation suit against NCAA still ongoing despite return of Heisman Trophy

Reggie Bush and his legal team’s defamation suit against the NCAA is still ongoing, according to the LA Times’ Ryan Kartje. Bush and his team filed the suit last August.

“Shame on you, NCAA,” the statement from Bush and his team read, via Kartje. “Why does it take so long to do the right thing? Why does it take so long to have common sense?”

The Heisman Trust recently returned Bush’s trophy to him this week, allowing him to return to the exclusive club of college football’s elite. That was met with widespread, positive reaction, including from some USC legends.

On3’s Pete Nakos provided a detailed look at the lawsuit last summer and what it entails.

The lawsuit stems from an NCAA statement that was issued in July 2021 after ESPN asked if Bush’s records should be restored given the NCAA installing its interim NIL policy.

“NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements,” an NCAA spokesperson said in 2021. “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.”

According to the complaint filed in Indiana’s Marion Superior Court, the statement is, “completely false and highly offensive.” The NCAA is headquartered in Indianapolis. The lawsuit goes on to say the NCAA made its comments, “knowing it was false or with reckless disregard of its veracity. The statement was made with willful and wanton intent.”

Along with filing the complaint, Bush’s attorneys launched a petition seeking 10,000 signatures, “to restore Reggie Bush’s collegiate records so he can reclaim his Heisman Trophy.”

Of course, Bush reclaimed his Heisman Trophy Wednesday. Much of this ties back to 2010 when Bush forfeited his Heisman after an NCAA investigation decided the running back and his family accepted extra benefits during his time at USC.

He also had to disassociate himself from the school for 10 years. The 30-page complaint filed Wednesday spends significant outlining the NCAA’s investigation from the 2000s. Bush requested a trial by jury, seeking presumed, compensatory and punitive damages for defamation and false light.

Bush provided a statement to ESPN on getting his Heisman back, elaborating on how thrilled he is to be reunited with the trophy he’s longed for to be back in his possession.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said, via a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”