Ex-NFL Star Reggie Bush: 'It's Only Fair' That College Athletes Get Paid
*By Carlo Versano*
Reggie Bush, the former NFL running back and college superstar who forfeited his Heisman Trophy after he allegedly received payments while at USC, said college athletes should be paid.
Bush told Cheddar in an interview last month that college athletes are forced to juggle the full-time job of playing sports with a serious course load ー so "it's only fair" they get compensated. Most of those players "come from nothing," he said.
A two-time All-American in college, Bush led the Trojans to the 2004 BCS title and won the Heisman Trophy in 2005. He was drafted second overall in the 2006 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints before reports that he had received improper benefits while attending USC. Years after he won the Heisman, he decided to return the award after a [report concluded](http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=5572827) in 2010 that two California-based marketing agents may have paid his family hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts. The NCAA also stripped USC of its championship.
Bush also said he supports guaranteed contracts for NFL players and better safety measures. He said he's hopeful that the NFL's [latest policy changes](https://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/nfl-ops-honoring-the-game/health-safety-rules-changes/) to limit some types of violent hits will be a "good start."
But like many players, coaches, and fans, Bush is concerned new safety regulations may dampen some of the game's signature intensity.
"I made a living off of returning punts and kicks all throughout my career ー college, NFL. I know that's something that fans are excited about, the kick-off. Hopefully, they can keep that as in tact as possible," he said.
"We're modern-day gladiators. It's a brutal sport."
For full interview, [click here] (https://cms.cheddar.com/videos/VmlkZW8tMjIxODU=).
Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, breaks down how several major NFL stories impact Week 9 lines, while Snapback Sports founder Jack Settleman makes sense of the chaos in college football and Iain MacMillan, Senior Editor at BetSided, gives his pick for who will win the 2022 NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Jack Settleman, Founder Snapback Sports and Sports Betting Analyst for The Game Day, joins Cheddar Bets to help break down the surprises and snubs from the initial College Football Playoff rankings, and who will finish in the top four when it's all said and done.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Iain MacMillan, Senior Editor BetSided, joins Cheddar Bets to discuss the likelihood of a freshman pulling down this year's Wooden Award, and gives his Cinderella pick for this year's National Champion.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Carlo and Baker discuss the fallout from Tuesday's election and the flashing warning sign for Dems ahead of the midterms. Also, a big 2A case at the Supreme Court, Aaron Rodgers has Covid and is in big trouble, and a first for the MCU.
Carlo and Baker discuss the election results across the country, including a Republican comeback in Virginia -- and possibly NJ -- plus the CDC gives the go-ahead for child vaccinations, Atlanta wins the World Series and more.
'THEMAGIC5' produces swimming goggles that contour the face using advanced robot technologies and 3D printing. Both of the company's founders Bo Haaber and Rasmus Barfred went on ABC's 'Shark Tank' and caught a $1 million deal. The duo join Cheddar News to talk about what the new funding means for the company.
Eli and Peyton Manning's "Monday Night Football" telecast on ESPN2 has quickly gained attraction and has now become one of the most talked-about popular sportscasts this season. The show has now become a huge success. Sports Agent Anthony Tall joined Cheddar to discuss more.
Carlo and Baker cover the big races to watch on this off-cycle Election Day, the concrete pledges starting to come out of COP26, Jeffrey Epstein keeps causing CEOs to lose their jobs, and Ryan Murphy's TV hit that wasn't.
Sportradar, a global sports data company, announced it will serve as UEFA’s exclusive authorized collector and distributor of data for betting purposes. The agreement covers 1,550 matches from the 2021-2022 season through to the end of the 2023-2024 season across all UEFA properties in Europe. Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl joined Cheddar to provide additional details on the landmark partnership and some insight into the future of sports betting.
