Thanks to the changing landscape in college athletics, former USC great Reggie Bush is getting his Heisman trophy back.
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Bush won the award as a Trojans running back in 2005, but had it taken away after a lengthy investigation led to allegations of illegal benefits. But hey, this is 2024, and now all benefits to college athletes are perfectly fine (under NIL guidelines, of course).
"We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments," Michael Comerford, the president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, told ESPN. "We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back."
Bush said he's happy to be getting the trophy a second time and this time, keeping it.
"Personally, I'm thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I'm honored to return to the Heisman family," Bush said in a statement to ESPN. "I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization."
Bush played at USC from 2003-05 and was later selected No. 2 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Per ESPN: "As rules allowing athletes to be compensated for their name, image and likeness were enacted in 2021, Bush began lobbying for his trophy to be returned. He released a statement in July 2021 that included criticism of the Heisman Trust, including Comerford not returning Bush's calls."
