Reggie Bush, the celebrated college football player, is set to reclaim his 2005 Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trust has declared that it will formally reinstate the award to Bush on Wednesday. Bush initially triumphed in the esteemed award in 2005, but surrendered it in 2010 after allegations emerged that he had received undue benefits while playing for the University of Southern California. The reinstatement decision coincides with the NCAA’s recent allowance of college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. Bush, in a statement to ESPN, conveyed his elation at rejoining the Heisman family. He was a pivotal figure in the USC Trojans’ national championship victories in 2003 and 2004, and led them to another championship game in 2005, a season in which he secured the Heisman Trophy with outstanding performances. Bush ran for an impressive 1,740 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per carry, and scoring 19 touchdowns that season. He later became the second overall pick in the NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints, capping an exceptional college career in which he amassed 3,169 rushing yards in three seasons, averaging 7.3 yards per carry, and scored 42 touchdowns. The NCAA subsequently investigated USC and Bush, determining that he and his family had received impermissible benefits from a marketing agent while he played for the Trojans. The NCAA imposed stringent sanctions on USC in 2010, including vacating Bush’s Heisman victory and requesting the return of his trophy. USC also disassociated itself from Bush for ten years as part of the penalties. However, the sanction was lifted in 2020, and Bush was welcomed back by the university. The Heisman Trust had previously indicated that it would only restore the award if the NCAA reconsidered its penalties against Bush. While the NCAA has stated that it will not re-evaluate old infractions cases, there have been calls to do so in light of the current, less restrictive rules regarding athlete compensation for endorsement deals. This news is still developing and will be updated accordingly.
Reggie Bush to Receive Reinstated Heisman Trophy
