Reggie Bush Is Getting His Heisman Trophy Back, per Report
Former USC Trojans running back Reggie Bush will be given his 2005 Heisman Trophy back, according to ESPNâs Pete Thamel.
Thamel reported that the Heisman Trust plans to announce the formal âreinstatementâ of the trophy to Bush on Wednesday. The organization will return the trophy to Bush and a replica to USC, and Bush will be invited to future Heisman Trophy ceremonies starting in the 2024 season.
âPersonally, Iâm thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and Iâm honored to return to the Heisman family,â Bush said in a statement to ESPN. âI also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.â
The Trustâs decision to reinstate the Heisman Trophy was based on a âdeliberative process,â Thamel reported. The Trust referred to âenormous changes in the college football landscapeâ in which student-athlete compensation has become more of an âaccepted practiceâ in college athletics.
Bush forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010 after an NCAA investigation revealed that Bush and his family members received improper benefits while he played at USC from 2003 to â05. The NCAA also stripped USC of its 2004 national title, and all mentions of Bushâs stats were either deleted or accompanied by asterisks.Â
Bush, a one-time Super Bowl champion, was selected No. 2 in the 2006 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. In his Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2005, Bush led the nation with 8.7 yards per carry and finished third in the FBS with 1,740 rushing yards.