Former College Football Star Reggie Bush, 36, Requested His Heisman Trophy be Returned

Former College Football Star Reggie Bush, 36, Requests His Heisman Trophy Be Returned

Following the approval of the temporary policy by the NCAA, former University of California football phenomenon, Reggie Bush, has stated that he wants his Heisman Trophy back. 

The NCAA introduced a new rule as of July 1st, which states that college athletes of all divisions can profit off their name, picture, and likeliness. In 2005, the 36-year-old USC star had to give up his Heisman Trophy, an award that is gifted to the most impressive college football player, after news broke that he had received improper benefits. 

Former College Football Star Reggie Bush, 36, Requests His Heisman Trophy Be Returned – Following the approval of the temporary policy by the NCAA, former University of California football phenomenon, Reggie Bush, has stated that he wants his Heisman Trophy back. 
 s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

According to ESPN, the former running back accepted a multitude of extra benefits due to his status in college football. During the investigation, it was “determined that he and family members, while he was a student-athlete, accepted cash, travel expenses and a home in the San Diego area where Bush’s parents lived rent-free for more than a year and were provided $10,000 to furnish.”

Since the new  NCAA rule has been initiated, Bush has asked for the Heisman Trophy to be returned to him.

“My team and I have reached out to both the NCAA and the Heisman Trust in regard to the reinstatement of my college records and the return of my Heisman,” the football player wrote in a statement he posted on Twitter.

He continued and stated, “It is my strong belief that I won the Heisman trophy ‘solely’ due to my hard work and dedication on the football field and it is also my firm belief that my records should be reinstated.”

Former College Football Star Reggie Bush, 36, Requests His Heisman Trophy Be Returned – Following the approval of the temporary policy by the NCAA, former University of California football phenomenon, Reggie Bush, has stated that he wants his Heisman Trophy back. 
Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

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However, the NCAA has had few accommodations to make to Bush. Bush stated that he, “received a call from Rob Whalen, the executive director, who stated that Mr. Comerford [president of the Heisman Trust] would not be calling us back and that, in any event, they could not help us.” 

Additionally, the Heisman Trust put out an official statement on July 2nd, 2021 in response to Bush’s pleas. “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. Should the NCAA reinstate Bush’s 2005 status, the Heisman Trust looks forward to welcoming him back to the Heisman family.”

Other NCAA members have come forward with their support for Bush as well. Johnny Manziel, who is a former Texas A&M quarterback and has earned his own Heisman Trophy, tweeted out a message of encouragement to the 36-year-old.

“Give Reggie Bush his Heisman back while we’re at it,” said Manziel.

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