Reggie Bush regains 2005 Heisman Trophy, Heisman Trust cites 'major changes in college athletics'

CNN
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Reggie Bush will get the 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy back after having to relinquish the award in 2010.

A Wednesday press release from Heisman.com said the Heisman Trust's decision to reinstate Bush followed a deliberative process that closely monitored “significant changes” in the college football landscape.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his accomplishments during his college career,” Heisman Trophy Trust President Michael Comerford said in a statement.

“No one can take away from you what God gave you,” Bush wrote in an Instagram post alongside a photo of the Heisman Trophy.

Bush ran for 1,740 yards on 200 carries and 18 total touchdowns at the University of Southern California in 2005, winning the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding college football player.

In 2010, Bush was found to be ineligible in 2004 after an NCAA investigation found he had received thousands of dollars in stipends and a vehicle that were not allowed at the time, making him a coveted player. voluntarily surrendered the award.

College athletes can now receive name, image and likeness compensation, commonly known as NIL.

According to the NCAA's 2021 statement, the rules still prohibit “pay-for-play arrangements” based on recent changes to the NIL rules, and “previous penalties, including those from several years ago, It will not be re-evaluated or revisited.” ”

Bush said the NCAA has defamed him and filed a lawsuit against the college sports governing body. He said he was not paid to play football at USC.

“[The NCAA] We had to be forced to do this,” Bush told The Athletic in 2020 after the introduction of the NIL. “Unfortunately, we're very reactive in this country. We're not proactive. It takes a lot for people to want to change that or realize that there's actually injustice there. Something had to happen first. Unfortunately, I feel like it had to come with me.

“There are certain steps and certain events that open people's eyes and change the way people look at things. I think that was one of them. For us, it was important to get to this point. Going forward. , we hope that thousands of children will benefit from this,” he added.

Bush will also be invited to the upcoming Heisman Trophy ceremony, where USC will receive a replica trophy.

“I am grateful to be once again recognized as a Heisman Trophy recipient,” Bush said in a statement released by his representative. “This return is not only a personal victory, but also a testament to the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have supported me throughout this difficult journey.

“I want to make it clear that I have always acted in good faith and in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA. The allegations leveled against me are baseless and unsupported by evidence. But I'm grateful that the truth is finally out.”

With Bush's return, USC has eight Heisman Trophy winners, the most in college football.

Former NFL quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel thanked the trust for “doing the right thing and bringing back such a storied member of our history.”

“Throughout this process, there has been so much support for Reggie just because of the kind of person he is. We look forward to being on that stage with you this December @ ReggieBush you deserve it.” I wrote to Xformerly known as Twitter.

Following three seasons at USC, Bush played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills, rushing for 5,490 yards, 36 touchdowns, and catches. He caught 477 passes for 3,598 yards and 18 TDs. He played in 134 regular season games. Bush helped the Saints win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLIV.