Reggie Bush reclaims 2005 Heisman Trophy, Heisman Fund cites 'massive changes in college athletics'

CNN
—

Reggie Bush gets the 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy Again after he had to give up the award in 2010.

In a press release on Wednesday Heisman.comThe decision by the Heisman Trust to reinstate Bush followed a deliberative process in which it closely monitored “tremendous changes” in the college football landscape.

“We are pleased to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collective accomplishments,” Michael Comerford, president of the Heisman Trophy Trust, said in a statement.

in Posted on Instagram“No one can take from you what God wants for you,” Bush wrote, along with a photo of the Heisman Trophy.

Bush won the Heisman Trophy, given annually to college football's most outstanding player, in 2005 when he rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries and scored 18 total touchdowns for USC.

In 2010, Bush voluntarily relinquished the coveted award after an NCAA investigation found he received several thousand dollars in benefits and a car that were not permitted at the time, and he was ruled ineligible as of 2004.

Bush previously said the NCAA smeared his reputation and that he was not paid to play football at USC.

College athletes can now receive compensation for their name, image and likeness, otherwise known as nothing.

“[The NCAA] “We had to be forced to do this.” He told The Athletic in 2020 After introducing NIL. “Unfortunately, in this country, we're very reactive. We're not proactive. Something had to happen first for people to want to change it or for people to see that there's actual injustice there. Unfortunately, I feel like it had to come with me.”

“There are certain steps and certain events that open people's eyes and change people's perspectives on things. I think this was one of them. It was important for us to get to where we are now. We hope that thousands and thousands of children will benefit from this point in the future”.

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

“I am grateful to once again be recognized as a Heisman Trophy recipient,” Bush said He said in a statement He was released by his representatives. “This reinstatement is not only a personal victory but also an affirmation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that I have always acted fairly and in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the NCAA. The allegations against me are baseless and unsupported by the evidence, and I am grateful that the truth has ultimately prevailed.”

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

Johnny Manziel, former NFL quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, thanked the organization “for doing the right thing and welcoming a well-known member of our history back into the fold.”

“There have been many voices throughout this process that have been at the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on this stage with you in December @ReggieBush, you deserve it Written on Xformerly known as Twitter.

After 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, rushing for 5,490 yards and 36 touchdowns and catching 477 passes for 3,598 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 134 regular season games. Bosh helped the Saints win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLIV.