- Reggie Bush had his award revoked in 2010 after USC was sanctioned.
- Bush was considered one of the most dynamic college players in decades.
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Reggie Bush was reinstated as the winner of the 2005 Heisman Trophy on Wednesday, as award organizers cited fundamental changes in the structure of college athletics during the 14 years since Bush lost the trophy and the honor.
Bush relinquished his Heisman following an NCAA investigation that found he received impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans.
His award was vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with massive sanctions from the NCAA when it was discovered that Bush and his family received money and gifts from rookie marketing agents hoping to represent him.
Today, college athletes are allowed to profit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to put the conflict with one of the most exciting players in sports history behind them.
“We are delighted to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate achievements,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust.
USC’s Reggie Bush smiles with the Heisman Trophy during a press conference in 2005
Bush had 2,218 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns en route to winning the Heisman.
‘We considered the enormous changes in college athletics in recent years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. “We are very happy to welcome him back.”
The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will also be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.
Bush won the trophy given to college football’s best player after accumulating 2,218 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005.
His 784 first-place votes were the fifth-most in Heisman history, and the trophy was a crowning achievement for Bush after three seasons at USC as one of the most dynamic college football players in decades.
“I am grateful to be recognized once again as a Heisman Trophy winner,” Bush said in a statement. “This reinstatement is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have supported me during this arduous journey.”
Bush’s reinstatement gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, the most of any school.
USC coach Lincoln Riley also said: ‘What a historic day! Reggie’s reintroduction to the Heisman family is a special moment for every person who has been associated with USC football. “We are delighted that Reggie’s athletic achievements as one of the greatest to ever play the game can be officially recognized.”
Bush is seen with his wife, Lilit Avagyan, and daughter, Briseis, in March.
Many fans supported Bush getting the trophy back, with some pointing out the absurdity they perceived the situation when the official Heisman account mourned the death of OJ Simpson, who was found civilly responsible for the deaths of his wife, Nicole Brown, and his friend Ron Goldman. .
The sanctions against USC were the end result of a protracted and adversarial dispute between the NCAA and USC under former athletic director Mike Garrett.
USC received a two-year postseason suspension and lost a whopping 30 scholarships under the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 Trojans victories during the heart of Bush’s career, including the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl after the 2004 season.
USC was even required to “disassociate” itself from Bush for 10 years following the NCAA’s decision. The school immediately ended its disengagement from him when that term ended in June 2020, welcoming Bush back to the school.