NFL
Why did Reggie Bush forfeit his Heisman Trophy in 2010? Why is he getting it back?
The former USC Trojan and New Orleans Saints player has been trying to reclaim the 2005 Heisman Trophy he gave back in 2010. And that day has arrived.
Reggie Bush, the former star running back of the University of Southern California Trojans, voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010, five years after winning it. Now, almost two decades from when he collected the award, he is receiving it once again.
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Reggie Bush and the Heisman Trophy
The initial investigation revealed that Bush had violated NCAA rules by accepting gifts and money from sports agents while he was still enrolled at USC. The NCAA stated that while college players can generate revenue by name, image and likeness (known as NIL), pay-per-play agreements are not allowed and that’s what Bush was accused of.
These violations prompted severe sanctions against the university, including the vacating of wins from Bush’s tenure and the demand for the return of his prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded to him in 2005. In response to the findings and in compliance with the NCAA’s ruling, Bush made the difficult decision to relinquish the Heisman Trophy. This move marked a significant moment in the intersection of collegiate athletics and compliance with NCAA regulations.
But this wasn’t the end of it. The star player kept up the fight to get back the trophy, and the former Trojans player held a press conference last year at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the stadium where USC plays its home games, to explain what he is hoping to gain with a lawsuit against the NCAA.
“I got dreams of coming back to this stadium and running out of the tunnel with the football team. I dreamed of walking in here and seeing my jersey along with all the other Heisman Trophy winners, but I can’t rightfully do it without my Heisman Trophy,” Bush said.
What were Reggie Bush’s numbers in the Heisman Trophy season?
Bush’s 2005 season was one of the best ever. He rushed for gained 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns on 200 carries for an average of 8.7 yards per attempt. In total, he gained 2,218 yards and 18 TDs.
Why Reggie Bush is getting the Heisman Trophy back now
As I stated above, Bush is going to reclaim his 2005 Heisman Trophy following an announcement by the Heisman Trust, as reported by ESPN. The Trust cited “enormous changes in the college football landscape,” particularly in rules regarding student-athlete compensation, as a key factor in their decision to reinstate Bush’s trophy. With recent shifts allowing athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, the Trust deemed it appropriate to return the prestigious award to Bush.
In response to the news, Bush expressed his excitement to reunite with the Heisman family and contribute to the organisation’s mission. His lobbying efforts, coupled with support from fellow Heisman winners and public figures like Johnny Manziel, have played a role in influencing the Trust’s decision. One future star of NFL, certainly the one expected to go number one in the 2024 draft on Thursday, Caleb Williams, seemed pleased with the decision, posting on X, “Yes sirskii. It’s timeee.”
This decision not only restores Bush’s legacy but also adds to USC’s Heisman collection, solidifying its status as the school with the most Heisman Trophies in the country. For Bush, reclaiming the trophy symbolises recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to college football during his illustrious career at USC.