Reggie Bush is seeking the reinstatement of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005 that later was stripped from him for receiving impermissible benefits.
With new rules taking effect Thursday that allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, Bush wants his Heisman back and to have other achievements from his time at Southern Cal reinstated as well.
“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,” Bush said in a statement issued by EAG Sports Management.
After an NCAA investigation into alleged improprieties, Bush had to forfeit his Heisman. In 2010, the NCAA ruled that Bush and his family could no longer associate with the Trojans after receiving money and other improper benefits from sports marketers during Bush’s playing days at USC from 2003-05.
USC was put on probation for four years by the NCAA, and the Trojans were banned from playing bowl games following the 2010 and 2011 seasons. They also lost 10 scholarships for three seasons and had to vacate the 2004 BCS national championship.
When handing down the punishments, the NCAA forced USC to permanently disassociate itself from Bush. But in 2017, the NCAA Committee on Infractions adopted a bylaw that limited such disassociations to 10 years, and USC has welcomed him back into the family.
Bush said he has tried, with no results, to have his past reinstated with pending adoption of name, image and likeness rules.
Reggie Bush speaks out, wants Heisman returned
“Over the last few months, on multiple occasions, 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 statement said. “We left multiple messages for Michael Comerford, the President of the Heisman Trust, but instead received a call from Rob Whalen, the Executive Director, who stated that Mr. Comerford would not be calling us back and that, in any event, they could not help us.”
Bush totaled 3,169 rushing yards along with 95 catches for 1,301 yards and a combined 42 total touchdowns in three seasons at USC. He was awarded the Heisman after his junior season, when he ran for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Now 36, Bush went on to play 11 NFL seasons with five teams, winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints following the 2009 season.
–Field Level Media