Former USC running back Reggie Bush will file a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA on Wednesday, according to his lawyers.
The law firm representing Bush, McCathern, PLLC, released a statement saying, "The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation."
The statement in question from the NCAA was issued to media outlets on July 28, 2021, in response to an inquiry about the possibility of Bush having his records and participation restored.
All of this coming in light of the changes made in regards to name, image and likeness rules that went into effect earlier this month.
"Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements," an NCAA spokesperson said in that statement. "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."
Bush will be speaking at a news conference at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday morning.
The ex-USC star is attempting to have his 2005 Heisman Trophy reinstated. Bush forfeited the trophy in 2010 after a four-year extra-benefits investigation determined that he and family members, while he was a student-athlete, accepted cash, travel expenses and a home in the San Diego area where Bush's parents lived rent-free for more than a year and for which they were provided $10,000 to furnish.
The Heisman Trophy Trust has long maintained the stance that because Bush's 2005 season was vacated by the NCAA, he was therefore not eligible to win. However, if the NCAA were to officially restore his records, it would then be likely that Bush's trophy would be returned to him.
"The NCAA's statement is completely false and highly offensive," the McCathern statement said. "The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was never even accused of, involved in, much less sanctioned for any 'pay-for-play arrangement,' which never occurred."
Bush's required 10-year disassociation from USC ended in 2020.
The NCAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
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