Major Controversies Surrounding Reggie Bush: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Reggie Bush—discover key moments of controversy.

Reggie Bush is a former American football running back, renowned for his exceptional college career at USC, where he won the 2005 Heisman Trophy. Drafted second overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2006, he contributed to their Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010 and earned All-Pro honors as a punt returner in 2008. Bush also played for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2017. Post-retirement, he worked as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 2004: Improper Benefits

The NCAA found that Reggie Bush received lavish gifts from Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels from at least December 2004 onward, leading to sanctions against USC.

2004: Improper Benefits Allegations

In 2004, allegations surfaced that Reggie Bush received improper benefits while at USC, leading to an NCAA investigation.

2005: Vacated Wins

As a result of NCAA sanctions announced on June 10, 2010, USC was forced to vacate its last two wins of the 2004 season and all of its wins in the 2005 season, due to Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits.

2005: Forfeiture of Heisman Trophy

In September 2010, amidst reports, Reggie Bush voluntarily forfeited his title as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.

2006: Questions about Gifts

In 2006, reports emerged raising questions about whether Reggie 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.

April 2009: NCAA Investigation Merged

In April 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that the NCAA merged its investigations of Reggie Bush and former USC basketball player O. J. Mayo into a single probe of the Trojans athletic programs.

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.

February 2010: Essence Cover Controversy

In February 2010, Reggie Bush was featured on the cover of Essence magazine for the theme "Black Men, Love & Relationships," which generated controversy due to his relationship with Kim Kardashian and criticism that he only dated non-black women.

April 2010: Lawsuit Settled

In April 2010, the lawsuit filed by Lloyd Lake against Reggie Bush and his family was settled.

June 10, 2010: NCAA Sanctions Against USC

On June 10, 2010, the NCAA announced major sanctions against USC due to Reggie Bush receiving lavish gifts, including four years of probation, vacating wins, and a bowl game ban in 2010 and 2011.

July 20, 2010: USC Removes Bush's Honors

On July 20, 2010, USC president Max Nikias announced the school would remove all jerseys and murals displayed in Reggie Bush's honor and return the school's copy of his Heisman Trophy.

2010: Forfeited Heisman Trophy

In 2010, Reggie Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy amid a scandal related to improper benefits received during his time at USC.

2011: Bowl Ban

Due to sanctions announced on June 10, 2010, USC was banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 due to the Reggie Bush scandal.

2011: Hall of Champions Award Returned

In 2011, the San Diego Hall of Champions sports museum returned the copy of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy to his parents.

2012: Returned Trophy to Heisman Trust

In 2012, Reggie Bush returned his Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trust.

January 8, 2016: Lawsuit against the St. Louis Rams

On January 8, 2016, it was announced that Reggie Bush sued the St. Louis Rams, St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, contending that a "concrete ring of death" around the field caused his injury.

May 2020: Reflections on Sanctions

In May 2020, Reggie Bush said in an interview with The Athletic that the sanctions against USC due to his conduct were "one of the worst feelings in the world".

September 24, 2024: Sued NCAA, Pac-12 and USC

On September 24, 2024, it was reported that Reggie Bush is suing USC, the Pac-12 Conference, and the NCAA for the illegal use of his name, image, and likeness without permission or compensation.