(StraightNews.org) – Football star Reggie Bush has won back his 2005 Heisman Trophy, 14 years after the University of Southen California (USC) forfeited the honor. The Heisman Trust announced Bush’s “reinstatement” recently, citing “enormous changes” in the football landscape. USC forfeited the trophy in 2010 after the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) issued sanctions against it amid claims that Bush received improper benefits during his college football career.
The athlete began campaigning for the return of his trophy some years ago and threatened to sue the NCAA for defamation, but the Heisman Trust had resisted pressure to reinstate the award. However, in a surprise announcement, Michael Comerford, the president of the Heisman Trust, said college football changes meant it was now “the right time” to reinstate Reggie. “We are so happy to welcome him back,” he said.
Mr. Bush, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, said he considers the reinstatement a vindication and a “personal victory.” The footballer, recognized as one of the greatest college players in America, said he had always acted with integrity, and contrary allegations were not supported by evidence. “I am grateful that the truth is finally prevailing,” he said.
The University of Southern California (USC) addressed the matter on social media and celebrated that the trophy was “back where it belongs.”
The Heisman Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding player in college football. Its first winner was Jay Berwanger in 1935. The following year, college coach John Heisman died, and the award was subsequently named after him.
In 2010, USC athletic director Pat Haden said it would return Reggie Bush’s trophy following NCAA allegations that the player had inappropriately received gifts from an agent. The NCAA demanded that USC disassociate itself from Bush, prompting the trophy’s return. The Heisman Trust subsequently announced that the 2005 award would remain vacated, and all mention of it would be removed from its website. The incident marked the first time a Heisman winner forfeited the award.
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