Wed Jan 01 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Former USC Star Reggie Bush Calls for College Football Players Union

**PASADENA, CA** – Reggie Bush, the former USC running back whose Heisman Trophy was recently reinstated after a long legal battle, is advocating for college football players to unionize. Speaking at his Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony Tuesday, Bush, 39, criticized the current Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) system as insufficient to address the financial disparities among college athletes.

“NIL is not the fix,” Bush stated. He pointed out that only a small percentage of players, typically high-profile quarterbacks, are significantly benefiting from NIL deals. The majority, he argued, are still struggling financially. He believes a union would allow players to collectively bargain for fairer compensation and working conditions.

Bush’s comments come just months after the Heisman Trust returned his 2005 trophy, following an NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations at USC. While he maintains his innocence regarding those accusations, his experience underscores the precarious position of college athletes.

“I was broke in college,” Bush recalled, highlighting the stark contrast between the financial realities faced by most players and the lucrative opportunities enjoyed by a select few. He emphasized the need for greater protection and guidance for players navigating NIL deals and the complexities of the transfer portal, where many athletes face uncertain futures.

Bush, who aspires to become a college head coach, believes a union would equip players with the knowledge and leverage to negotiate better deals and make informed decisions about their careers. He expressed concern over the pressure young athletes face, often making life-altering choices with little support. The induction ceremony also included former Oregon running back LaMichael James and longtime Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio.

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