Reggie Bush is REINSTATED as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes two decades after he accepted money and gifts at USC

Reggie Bush was named the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner again on Wednesday, after the award’s organizers cited fundamental changes in the structure of college athletics during the fourteen years since Bush lost the trophy and the honor.

Bush gave up his Heisman after an NCAA investigation found that he received impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans.

His award was revoked in 2010 after USC faced massive NCAA sanctions when it emerged that Bush and his family received money and gifts from young marketing agents hoping to represent him.

Today, college athletes are allowed to benefit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to move past the conflict with one of the most exciting players in the history of the sport.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate achievements,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust.

Bush collected 2,218 yards from scrimmage and 18 TDs en route to winning the Heisman

“We have considered the tremendous changes in college athletics in recent years and decided that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

The Heisman Trust 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 the best player in college football after amassing 2,218 yards rushing from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005.

His 784 first-place votes were the fifth-most in Heisman history, and the trophy crowned Bush after three seasons at USC as one of the most dynamic college football players in decades.

“I am grateful to once again be recognized as a Heisman Trophy recipient,” Bush said in a statement. “This recovery is not only a personal victory, but also an affirmation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this difficult 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 everyone associated with USC football. We are thrilled that Reggie’s athletic achievements can be officially recognized as one of the best to ever play the game.”

Bush is seen with his wife Lilit Avagyan and their daughter Briseis in March

Many fans were in favor of Bush getting the trophy back, with some pointing out their perceived absurdity of the situation when the official Heisman record mourned the death of OJ Simpson – who was found civilly liable for his wife’s death , Nicole Brown and her wife. friend Ron Goldman.

The sanctions against USC were the end result of a long, antagonistic dispute between the NCAA and USC under former athletics director Mike Garrett.

USC was given a two-year postseason ban and lost as many as 30 scholarships under the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 of the Trojans’ victories during the heart of Bush’s career, including the 55-19 win over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

USC even had to ‘disassociate’ itself from Bush for ten years after the NCAA’s decision. When that period ended in June 2020, the school immediately ended its dissociation and welcomed Bush back to the school.