THE UNIVERSITY of Southern California has officially ended its disassociation with Reggie Bush a decade after he was forced into exile by the National College Athletic Association.
In June 2020, USC announced the end of the NCAA-mandated ban with just four words: “Welcome home, Reggie Bush.”
Reggie Bush attended the Eddie Murphy X ARTUS Gallery Exhibition Opening Night at East Angel Gallery on February 20, 2020, in Los Angeles, CaliforniaGetty Images – Getty
Who is Reggie Bush?
Bush is a former running back who played college football at USC, where he won the highly coveted Heisman Trophy in 2005 after leading the Trojans to back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004.
He decided to forgo his senior year of college to enter the NFL Draft in 2006.
He was selected as the second pick of his draft class by the New Orleans Saints.
Bush spent his 11-year career suiting up for the Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills before he retired in 2017.
He was inducted into USC’s Hall of Fame last June and joined FOX Sports as a college football analyst before the start of the 2019 season.
Why was he banned from USC?
Reggie Bush’s ban was part of several major penalties USC received from the NCAA after an investigation found he had received forbidden kickbacks from marketing agents as a student.
At the time, it was illegal for NCAA athletes to receive paid gifts or endorsements from their name, image, or likeness.
As a result, former college football star forfeited his Heisman Trophy in September 2010.
In a statement announcing his decision, he called the bribery allegations dating back to his college years “painful and distracting”.
Part of the major penalties the school received from the NCAA was a 10-year mandated disassociation with Bush.
Additionally, the USC Trojans lost 30 scholarships and were also banned from the 2010 and 2011 bowl games.
USC officially ended its disassociation with Reggie Bush in June 2020 and welcomed him back to the Trojan family.
Yahoo! Sports reported Bush received the news through a letter sent by USC President Carol Folt.
“I have dreamed of this day for 10-plus years and I’m excited to come home!” Bush said, according to the news outlet.
Reggie Bush cuts back for a run in a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 31, 2006 in Kansas City, MissouriGetty Images – Getty
What happened to Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy?
Bush was stripped of his Heisman Trophy in 2010 but due to recent regulation changes in the NCAA, he is demanding his award back.
He lost the highly-coveted trophy over allegations that he received lavish gifts while playing college football at USC.
But in June 2021, the NCAA approved an interim policy allowing college athletes to get paid for the use of their name, image, and likeness.
On April 24, 2024, the Heisman Trophy Trust announced the decision to reinstate Bush of the Heisman honor officially.
In a statement, The Heisman Trophy Trust said, “We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments.”