Reggie Bush returns 2005 Heisman Trophy, Heisman Trust cites 'enormous changes in college athletics'

CNN
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Reggie Bush gets his 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy The award had to be withdrawn in 2010.

in a press release Wednesday Heisman.comThe Heisman Foundation's decision to reinstate Bush followed a consultative process that closely monitored “tremendous changes” in the college football landscape.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate achievements,” Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, said in a statement.

A Post on Instagram“No one can take away from you what God has for you,” Bush wrote alongside a picture of his Heisman Trophy.

Bush won the Heisman, given annually to the most outstanding college football player, in 2005 when he rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries and scored 18 total touchdowns for the University of Southern California.

In 2010, Bush voluntarily relinquished the coveted award after an NCAA investigation found he received several thousand dollars and a vehicle benefit that was not allowed at the time.

College athletes can now receive compensation for their name, likeness and appearance, as it is commonly known NIL.

A 2021 report The NCAA said its rules still prohibited “payment-for-play-type arrangements” based on recent changes to the NIL rules.

Bush claims the NCAA defamed him Filed a case Against the College Sports Governing Body. He said he was not paid to play football at USC.

“[The NCAA] It had to be forced into it,” Bush Athletic said in 2020 Following the introduction of NIL. “Unfortunately, in this country, we're very reactive. We're not proactive. Something has to happen first for people to want to change it or for people to see that there's a real injustice there. Unfortunately, I think that has to come with me.

“Certain steps and certain events open people's eyes and change people's perspective on things. I think that's one of them. It's important to get here to where we are now. We hope that thousands and thousands of children will benefit from this point,” he added.

Bush will also be invited to future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, and USC will receive a replica trophy.

“I am grateful to be recognized again as a recipient of the Heisman Trophy,” Bush said in a statement Issued by his representatives. “This restoration is not only a personal victory, but a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this difficult journey.

“I want to make it clear that I have always acted with integrity and in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down by the NCAA. The allegations leveled against me are baseless and unsupported by evidence, and I am grateful that the truth has finally prevailed.

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

Former NFL quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel thanked the foundation for “doing the right thing and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold.”

“Many voices have stood up for Reggie throughout this process because of the kind of man he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December @ReggieBush you deserve it” Manziel Wrote in XFormerly known as Twitter.

Following his three seasons with USC, Bush played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, catching 47D59 passes for 5,490 yards and 36 touchdowns and 810 touchdowns. In 134 regular season games. Bush helped the Saints win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLIV.