Reggie Bush reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner; changes in NCAA rules led to decision

NEW YORK — More than a decade after the Heisman Trophy was returned by Southern California due to an NCAA investigation revealing that Reggie Bush had received impermissible benefits during his tenure with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced on Wednesday that he has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.

Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, expressed his excitement about welcoming Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family. He acknowledged Bush’s college achievements and mentioned the significant changes in college athletics in recent years that led to the decision to reinstate his Trophy. Comerford concluded by expressing happiness to have Bush back.

After accumulating over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005, Bush won the trophy given to the best player in college football. His 784 first-place votes ranked fifth highest in Heisman history.

The Heisman Trust has given back the trophy to Bush and the duplicate to USC. Bush will receive an invitation to all upcoming Heisman Trophy events.

In a statement, The Trust announced that its decision was a result of a conscientious process during which it kept a vigilant eye on alterations in college football’s environment. These changes included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 verdict that challenged the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and paved the way for athlete remuneration, the new opportunity for college football players to receive payment for their name, image, and likeness, and the NCAA’s fresh proposal to eliminate the limit on education-related payments.

Copyright The Associated Press 2024