Challenges Faced by Reggie Bush: Obstacles and Turning Points
Life is full of challenges, and Reggie Bush faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Reggie Bush is a former American football running back, renowned for his college career with the USC Trojans, where he won the 2005 Heisman Trophy and earned All-American honors twice. Drafted second overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2006, he won Super Bowl XLIV with the team in 2010. Bush also played for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2017. He was named an All-Pro punt returner in 2008. After retiring from the NFL, Bush worked as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.
2004: Improper Benefits Allegations
In 2004, allegations that Reggie Bush received improper benefits with USC were central to an NCAA investigation of the USC football program.
2005: Heisman Title Forfeited
In 2005, amid reports, Reggie Bush voluntarily forfeited his title as the 2005 Heisman winner.
2005: Wins Vacated
In 2005, the NCAA forced USC to vacate all of its wins due to violations related to Reggie Bush.
May 23, 2006: NFL rejects Reggie Bush's request to wear number 5
On May 23, 2006, the NFL competition committee officially rejected Reggie Bush's request to wear the number 5, as running backs are required to wear a number between 20 and 49.
2006: NCAA Investigation
In 2006, reports surfaced raising questions about whether Bush's family received gifts in violation of NCAA policies, leading to an investigation.
November 2007: Lawsuit Filed by Lloyd Lake
In November 2007, sports agent Lloyd Lake sued Reggie Bush and his family to recoup $291,600 in cash and gifts.
January 7, 2009: Reggie Bush has knee surgery
On January 7, 2009, the New Orleans Saints confirmed that Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee, and would require months of rehabilitation.
April 2009: NCAA Investigation Merged
In April 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that the NCAA had merged its investigations of Reggie Bush and former USC basketball player O.J. Mayo.
August 16, 2009: Bush leaves practice due to knee problems
On August 16, 2009, Reggie Bush left practice due to continuing problems with his left knee. He later returned with his knee wrapped in an icepack.
December 28, 2009: Arbitration Bid Lost
On December 28, 2009, Reggie Bush lost his bid for confidential arbitration in the lawsuit filed by Lloyd Lake, and the case proceeded to trial.
April 2010: Lawsuit Settled
In April 2010, the lawsuit filed by Lloyd Lake against Reggie Bush was settled.
June 10, 2010: NCAA Sanctions Announced
On June 10, 2010, the NCAA announced major sanctions against USC due to Reggie Bush receiving lavish gifts, including a four-year probation, vacating wins, and a bowl game ban.
July 20, 2010: USC Removes Bush's Honors
On July 20, 2010, USC removed all jerseys and murals displayed in Reggie Bush's honor and returned the school's copy of his Heisman Trophy.
2010: Heisman Trophy Forfeited
In 2010, Reggie Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy amid a scandal, but it was reinstated 14 years later amid NCAA rule changes.
2010: Review Requested
In 2010, attorneys requested to review the 2010 case.
2011: Bowl Ban
In 2011, USC was banned from bowl games because of Reggie Bush's actions.
September 14, 2015: Leg Injury in Season Opener
On September 14, 2015, during the 49ers' season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Reggie Bush sustained a leg injury and had to leave the game.
November 1, 2015: Season-Ending Injury Against Rams
On November 1, 2015, Reggie Bush suffered a season-ending torn meniscus during a game against the St. Louis Rams after slipping on concrete surrounding the field.
January 8, 2016: Sued St. Louis Rams
On January 8, 2016, Reggie Bush sued the St. Louis Rams, the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority, and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, claiming a "concrete ring of death" around the field caused his injury.
May 2020: Sanctions Worst Feeling
In May 2020, Reggie Bush stated in an interview that the sanctions against USC were one of the worst feelings in the world.
August 14, 2023: Petition Submitted to NCAA
On August 14, 2023, attorneys representing USC and Reggie Bush submitted a petition to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, asking them to review their 2010 case and reconsider their decision.
