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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former Southern California operating again Reggie Bush plans to file a defamation lawsuit in opposition to the NCAA over a press release made by school sports activities’ governing physique in regards to the reasoning for its resolution to not restore the Heisman Trophy winner’s data.
Bush and his attorneys at McCathern PLLC introduced the lawsuit Wednesday within the rented President’s Suite atop the Coliseum, the Trojans’ house for the previous 100 years. The Peristyle finish of the venerable stadium options giant banners honoring all of USC’s eight Heisman winners besides present quarterback Caleb Williams and Bush, who’s hoping to clear up his present murky standing in school soccer historical past.
Bush is submitting the go well with as a part of his quest to reclaim the Heisman he voluntarily returned in 2010 after the college was hit with heavy NCAA sanctions associated to improper monetary advantages he acquired throughout his enjoying profession.
“I’ve obtained goals of coming again on this stadium and operating out of that tunnel with the soccer crew,” Bush stated. “I’ve obtained goals of strolling again in right here and seeing my jersey and my banner proper down there subsequent to the remainder of the Heisman Trophy winners. However I can’t rightfully do this with out my Heisman Trophy.”
Bush is suing over a press release issued in July 2021 describing the star’s enjoying profession at USC as a “pay-for-play” association. The NCAA used the phrase whereas detailing why it wouldn’t restore the data of Bush’s enjoying profession, which the Heisman Belief has cited as the following step in returning Bush’s trophy.
“The NCAA’s assertion is totally false and extremely offensive,” a press release from Bush’s legal professionals learn. “The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was by no means even accused of, concerned in, a lot much less sanctioned for any ‘pay–for–play association’ which by no means occurred.”
The NCAA didn’t instantly reply to Bush’s lawsuit.
“Pay-for-play” sometimes refers to a unique kind of improper profit association than the one which the NCAA cited in leveling USC’s sanctions. The NCAA claimed Bush accepted further advantages from individuals not affiliated with USC who hoped to money in on Bush’s skilled profession as brokers or sports activities entrepreneurs. Bush performed 11 seasons with 5 NFL groups after New Orleans selected him with the second total choose in 2006.
“Not solely is it not true, however there isn’t a proof to even assist that declare,” Bush stated. “It wasn’t even a part of the preliminary NCAA investigation, so it is a new accusation so far as I’m involved. That’s what this lawsuit is about. It’s about fact, getting the details out and holding the NCAA accountable, which I feel is possibly the primary time in my reminiscence that this has occurred, somebody holding them accountable for his or her actions and what they’ve performed with reference to me and different gamers as effectively.”
Two years in the past, after NCAA athletes got the suitable to revenue off their identify, picture and likeness rights, the Heisman Belief issued a press release saying it will look “ahead to welcoming (Bush) again to the Heisman household” if the NCAA formally restored its recognition of Bush’s accomplishments. The NCAA subsequently issued the assertion that sparked Bush’s lawsuit.
The NCAA’s sanctions in opposition to USC included a two-year bowl ban, 14 vacated victories and extreme scholarship restrictions. Bush additionally was required to “disassociate” from USC for 10 years.
That ban led to 2020, and USC has already welcomed again one of many biggest operating backs in class historical past. Bush desires to take the following step in restoring the luster to one of many biggest careers in school soccer historical past.
“When the (new) NIL (guidelines) got here out, I believed that I might not less than be capable to get my Heisman Trophy again, not less than have these issues restored to me,” Bush stated. “That was a horrible feeling, and it’s one thing that also stands out in my thoughts.”
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