An Indiana judge denied the NCAA’s request to dismiss Reggie Bush’s defamation lawsuit, according to The Athletic’s Chris Vannini. The former USC standout sued the association for claiming in 2021 he was involved in “pay-for-play type arrangements.”
Bush recently got his Heisman Trophy back from the Heisman Trust, but the defamation lawsuit continued against the NCAA. The organization requested to dismiss the lawsuit in November, arguing the statement was “true” and “not made with actual malice” while Bush “has not properly pled damages.”
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 lawsuit goes on to say the NCAA – headquartered in Indianapolis – 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.”
Bush forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010 after an investigation into USC, which also said the Trojans had to vacate their 2004 national championship. His 2005 season was one of the greatest in recent memory as he rushed for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns before going to the New Orleans Saints as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Now, he has his trophy back after the Heisman Trust “considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years” amid pushback from multiple former winners, including Johnny Manziel. Bush released a statement on the decision, which puts him back alongside the elite players in college football history.
“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. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
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