Former USC running back Reggie Bush wants his Heisman Trophy back. But it won’t be so easy.
The 36-year-old released a statement Thursday asking for his statistics and awards to be reinstated, years after Bush was required to disassociate from USC and give back his Heisman Trophy over what the NCAA determined were improper benefits.
He has multiple avenues to go through. The Heisman Trust said it would give Bush his Trophy back, but it is not in control of the situation. It comes down to the NCAA, which needs to reinstate the records for his award-winning football season before the trust grants the 2005 trophy recipient his wish.
“Bush’s 2005 season records remain vacated by the NCAA and, as a result, under the rule set forth by the Heisman Trust and stated on the Heisman Ballot, he is not eligible to be awarded the 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy,” the trust said in a statement Friday. “Should the NCAA reinstate Bush’s 2005 status, the Heisman Trust looks forward to welcoming him back to the Heisman family.”
A four-year extra-benefits investigation uncovered that Bush accepted cash, travel payment and a house in San Diego, where Bush’s parents lived rent-free for over a year. They also received $10,000 to furnish their new place.
For his actions, the Trojans were banned from the postseason for two years, vacated 14 victories and lost 30 scholarships. Bush having to distance himself from the program ended in June 2020, when he was welcomed back into the USC community.
Thursday was a big day for college athletes — some restrictions were lifted and players can now profit off their names, image and likeness — and presented an opportunity for Bush, too.
No matter what happens as the college sports world continues to change, the Heisman Trust thinks the NCAA’s choice to give athletes the right to profit off their name, image and likeness is a “positive step in the right direction.”
“The Heisman Trust supports any legislation that will protect and benefit all student athletes,” the trust said.