Reggie Bush speaks out after the Heisman Trust named him the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner again.
For comparison, the award was revoked in 2010 after the NCAA split the University of Southern California. An investigation revealed that Bush, a former USC Trojans player, and his family received money and gifts from audition agents. It was against NCAA rules at the time, but not anymore.
Here’s what Reggie Bush said
The Associated Press reports that the Heisma Trust has returned Reggie Bush’s trophy. In addition, HT will send a copy of the award to USC.
In his first social media reaction to the update, Reggie wrote: “No one can take away what God has for you.”
He shared a photo of his hand on the trophy.
He also reportedly told ESPN:
“Personally, I am thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and it is an honor to return to the Heisman family. I also look forward to working with the Heisman Trust to advance the organization’s values and mission.”
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Heisman Trust and USC speak out
Meanwhile, Heisman Trust President Michael Comerford also released a statement welcoming Reggie back.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his academic achievements. We considered the tremendous changes in college athletics in recent years and decided now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are very pleased to welcome him back.”
Bush won the Heisman Trophy in ’20 after recording more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth-most in Heisman history. The award is typically reserved for the best player in college football.
Going forward, the Heisman Trust will ensure that Reggie Bush is invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, according to the AP. Their decision to rehire Reggie Bush was influenced by a few factors, including the 2021 Supreme Court ruling on the NCAA’s amateurism criteria and athlete compensation in NIL deals and overall. The NCAA’s recent proposal to lift the cap on education-related payments also played a role.
The University of Southern California also responded on social media, expressing similar thoughts to Reggie. They write, “Back where it belongs.” Reggie’s reinstatement brings the university’s total number of Heisman Trophy winners to eight – more than any other school!
back where it belongs – @ReggieBushThe 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy was officially reinstated by the Heisman Trophy Trust. 🏆✌️
Welcome back to the Heisman family, Reggie! pic.twitter.com/hBjdirgjHc
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) April 24, 2024
Associated Press staff contributed to this report.