Reggie Bush is going to sue NCAA for libel

Former USC running back Reggie Bush will announce his plans Wednesday morning to file a libel suit against the National Collegiate Athletics Association alleging he received improper benefits in what they call a “pay-to-play” arrangement. to call.

“The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a wholly false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation,” said Bush attorneys Levi G. McCathern and Ty M. Sheaks, in a statement. rack.

“Specifically, on July 28, 2021, the NCAA… erroneously issued a statement to reporters that because of Mr. Bush’s past involvement in a ‘pay-for-play’ arrangement, the NCAA would not consider reinstating its peer records that it was vacated in 2010, which subsequently led to Bush having to return his Heisman Trophy. In less than a day, this false statement was republished by no less than twenty different media organizations and distributed to readers around the world.

The phrase “pay-for-play” typically refers to athletes who would not play for a school unless they were compensated to do so, suggesting that the benefits were a factor in the recruiting process, according to the Los Angeles Times. It differs from an agent who provides gifts or payments in exchange for a potential share of future professional earnings.

As of December 2004, according to the NCAA investigation, Bush, his mother and stepfather accepted thousands of dollars in cash and free housing from a potential marketer while Bush played for USC. He and his family also received a car, air travel, hotel accommodations, transportation and other benefits, according to the NCAA’s 67-page report.

Bush, a two-time national champion at USC (2003-2004), sought to regain his Heisman and restore his records in 2021 amid newly implemented name, image, and likeness laws that allow college athletes to be used by third parties getting paid.

Plans for the trial will be announced Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.