Paul, Weiss represented the Heisman Trophy Trust in its decision to return the 2005 Heisman Trophy for most outstanding college player in the nation to former University of Southern California football running back Reggie Bush. The trophy was forfeited by Bush in 2010 in the wake of NCAA sanctions for USC related to Bush receiving improper benefits during his Trojans career.

The Trust’s decision followed a deliberative process in which it closely monitored the enormous changes in the college football landscape, including the Supreme Court’s landmark 2021 decision in NCAA v. Alston holding that NCAA limitations on education-related student-athlete benefits violate antitrust law; subsequent rule changes allowing college football players to be paid for their name, image and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments. Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is now an accepted practice and appears here to stay, the Trust determined that now is the right time to return the trophy to Bush.

Acknowledging the work of Paul, Weiss, Trust Chair Michael Comerford thanked “Ted Wells and Josh Hill for their excellent work and counsel for the past two years in helping us come to this decision.”

The Paul, Weiss team included litigation partners Joshua Hill and Ted Wells. David Brown, who passed away in 2022, also worked extensively on the matter.