Reggie Bush Reclaims Heisman Trophy After 14-Year Dispute with NCAA
Former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush is demanding accountability in the wake of allegations that led to him forfeiting his Heisman Trophy in 2010. Bush's trophy was returned to him on Thursday after a 14-year dispute with the NCAA.
He received the award for the most outstanding college football player in 2005 when he played for the University of Southern California Trojans. But in 2010, Bush forfeited the award following an NCAA investigation that found he accepted gifts and cash from a would-be agent.
Bush's dispute with the NCAA intensified following a 2021 statement from the organization, which he claimed defamed him by describing his situation as a "pay-for-play type" arrangement.
"I was never paid to play. That never happened, ever. I was a broke college kid," he said.
The return of the trophy coincides with a transformative era in college athletics, where players can now profit from their name, image, and likeness. Bush remains skeptical of how these changes serve all players.
"Everybody's benefitting but the kids. The NIL works for the star player of the team. That's it," he said.
The NCAA declined to comment on this story.
Bush expressed gratitude for the reinstatement by the Heisman Trust, describing it as the culmination of a long and arduous journey.
"I believe that when you have yearned for something for so long, and have endured the highs and lows over many years, shedding tears along the way, it becomes more about savoring the moment, finding happiness, and simply basking in it," said Bush.
Playfully, Bush remarked, "It felt as weighty as I remembered," when hoisting the trophy once more.
The elation of the occasion is tempered by years of inner turmoil, during which Bush battled depression and contemplated suicide. He attributes his recovery to the unwavering support he received from the New Orleans Saints' community during his time with the NFL team.
"During my darkest moments, grappling with depression and suicidal ideation, there was an entire city ready to embrace me, lift me up, and provide me with the chance to once again showcase my abilities," he shared.
Looking ahead to the future, Bush expressed enthusiasm about his upcoming return to USC and his involvement in the tradition of leading the team onto the field this coming autumn.
"The upcoming event is going to come full circle, it's going to be mind-blowing, thrilling, and exhilarating," he expressed.
Bush's No. 5 jersey will also be reintroduced at USC's Coliseum.
"This signifies everything to me. It's the culmination of all the hard work and commitment I poured into this football field, that stadium, the weight rooms, the classrooms... everything that was demanded of me, I delivered," he shared. "Every time I was called upon, I gave my all."
