Former University of Southern California star running back Reggie Bush has decided to forfeit the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005, according to a statement on the website of his pro team, the New Orleans Saints.
The decision comes two months after the NCAA ruled Bush had violated rules by accepting gifts, cash and other benefits while he played for USC - violations that would have affected his eligibility.
"The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting," Bush said in Tuesday's statement.
"In no way should the storm around these allegations reflect in any way on the dignity of this award, nor on any other institutions or individuals. Nor should it distract from outstanding performances and hard-earned achievements either in the past, present or future."
Last week, Yahoo Sports reported that two sources close to the Heisman Trust, which oversees the award given to college football's top player, claimed the trust eventually would rule it agrees with the NCAA's assessment that Bush was ineligible to play during 2005 - and therefore would strip the trophy from Bush.
The NCAA infractions committee in June also levied heavy penalties against USC's football program, vacating its 13 wins, include the team's Orange Bowl victory against the Oklahoma Sooners, taking away 30 school scholarships and banning USC from bowl games for two years.
In his statement, Bush said winning the Heisman was one of the greatest honors of his life.
"But I know that the Heisman is not mine alone. Far from it," Bush said. "I know that my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of my teammates, the steady guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans and the unconditional love of my family and friends.
"And I know that any young man fortunate enough to win the Heisman enters into a family of sorts. Each individual carries the legacy of the award and each one is entrusted with its good name.
"It is for these reasons that I have made the difficult decision to forfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005."
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It's sort of like getting fired from your job because you were browsing on the internet, making a personal phone call, etc.
I wonder how many people here who claims that he "BROKE-THE-RULES" are at work right now on the Web? You can get fired for this.
who cares about the heisman, lame – he's a got a super bowl under his belt andworld champion! screw the rules!
NCAA is crap. They exploit these kids where the schools make millions upon millions from them and then penalize them for receiving gifts. Hypocrites.
So stripping him from this award will change anything? He won it because he played very well and it has nothing to do with accepting money or not. If I was him would care less if they take this trophy, its not the trophy that will make me more of a player, its my capacity of playing the game.
If I were Bush I would be like %*&k you guys, I got a super bowl ring now!
1. Bush has a Super Bowl ring. The significance of the Heisman (a subjective award for achievement in the amateur ranks) pales–or should pale–by comparison.
2. Anyone who thinks that Bush's and/or USC's behavior in this situation was unique is naive. It happens all the time at all of the major programs. Collegiate football should stop the sham and admit to being a profit-driven enterprise.
So...is he going to return the extra money that the Saints paid him for being a Heisman Trophy winner in his original contract? Seems fair to me. Yes, I know rules are rules are rules, but this is ridiculous. It's not like he got any sort of athletic edge from any of these benefits. He earned the Heisman on god-given talent. He should keep the Heisman and tell everyone to kick rocks. If they had anything substantial against him, it should not have taken 5 years to get this far.
The NCAA is one of the most corrupt, two faced, hypocritical organizations out there. They are the poster child for do as I say not as I do.
The hypocrisy of the NCAA has never shone so brightly as it is shining now. Yes, Reggie Bush violated NCAA rules, but how come no one who made money off of him is giving back the money? If we are all supposed to pretend the games didn't happen, is the NCAA going to return the money to TV. Is TV going to return $ to the advertisers? Everyone in the NCAA and all of the universities make $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ on the backs of players like Reggie Bush. Why shouldn't he get some too? The scholarships are not fair compensation in that they pale in comparison to the revenue the players bring in, and for the most part, they are a sham because to keep a position on a major collge team, players do not have time to put much effort into their studies.
The NFL needs to develop a minor league system like MLB so that football players who have no interest in academics have a place to develop their careers, and the NCAA can be for students who play football.
sad... and award won because of his talents, not the money and bribes that paid for him. F USC and pete carroll....
So? I'm assuming that if Reggie Bush is giving back the trophy because he was ineligible to play in 2005 then all the record books for his play in 2005 are also going to be wiped clean, as well. Correct?
So this time it really was Bush's fault.
Hahahahahaha....
I would have kept it, melted it down. Made medallions out of the metal and then sold them on ebay for charity.
Hey guys, will you visit SaveStan.ORG a friend of mine with 4 young babies is fighting for his life…… thanks.
I'm just waiting for some idiot to complain about something that happened 100 years ago. Anyone can dig up dirt on anyone including those pointing fingers. If he wasn't investigated properly before receiving the award let him keep it. The only exception would be a "criminal offense" which would "tarnish" the reward. Good for you Reggie you show integrity and that alone should signal something to those who MUST look for dirt on others. What goes around, comes around, they will have their day and you'll laugh about it. What pansies these sort of people, discusting!