The following text is from a news article published by the Associated Press in New York: The Heisman Trust announced on Wednesday that Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the recipient of the 2005 Heisman Trophy, over a decade after Southern California returned the trophy. This decision comes after an NCAA investigation revealed that Bush had received advantages not allowed during his tenure with the Trojans.
Reggie Bush Is Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner, With Organizers Citing NIL Rule Changes
“We are delighted to announce Reggie Bush’s return to the Heisman family, acknowledging his outstanding achievements during his college years,” stated Michael Comerford, the president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. After carefully evaluating the significant transformations in college athletics in recent years, we have concluded that the present moment is appropriate for the reinstatement of the Trophy for Reggie.” We are delighted to have him return.
Bush received the prestigious college football trophy for being the highest-performing athlete. In 2005, he accumulated over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes, the seventh-highest number of votes in the Heisman Trophy’s history.
The Heisman Trust has restored the trophy to Bush and the duplicate to USC. Bush will get invitations to all forthcoming Heisman Trophy presentations.
“I am personally delighted to be reunited with my fellow Heisman winners and to contribute to the prestigious history of the Heisman Trophy. I feel privileged to be welcomed back into the Heisman family,” Bush stated in a statement to ESPN. “I am eager to collaborate with the Heisman Trust in order to promote the principles and objectives of the organization.”
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Reggie Bush Is Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner, With Organizers Citing NIL Rule Changes
In a social media post, the USC football program stated, “returning to its rightful place.” With the reinstatement of Bush, USC now has eight Heisman winners, the highest number among all schools.
The Trust stated that their decision was made after carefully evaluating the developments occurring in the collegiate athletics industry. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling raised doubts about the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and allowed for athlete compensation, including payment for their name, image, and likeness. Additionally, the NCAA has proposed eliminating the limit on education-related payments.
The Trust stated that, given the widespread acceptance and permanence of compensating student-athletes and the significant changes in college athletics, returning the Trophy to Bush is appropriate. They emphasized that Bush was undoubtedly the most exceptional college football player in 2005.
Johnny Manziel, the recipient of the 2012 Heisman award from Texas A&M University, expressed on social media last month that he would refuse to participate in the Heisman ceremonies unless Reggie Bush’s revoked award was returned to him.
Reggie Bush Is Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner, With Organizers Citing NIL Rule Changes
On Wednesday, he thanked the Trust for their commendable decision to reintegrate a distinguished individual from our past into their organization. Numerous voices advocated for Reggie throughout this process due to his exemplary character. I eagerly anticipate sharing the stage with you, Reggie Bush, in December. You truly deserve this opportunity.
Notable individuals who commended the decision included Caleb Williams, the 2022 recipient of the award and the expected top selection in the next NFL draft, Eric Crouch, the winner in 2001 from Nebraska, and Robert Griffin III, the 2011 recipient from Baylor.
SOURCE – (AP)
