Reggie Bush will forfeit the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005. The former Southern California running back announced his decision in a statement.
“One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005,” the statement said “For me, it was a dream come true. 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.”
The Heisman Trophy Trust was scheduled to meet Tuesday amid speculation that a decision on whether Bush would be stripped of the award. USC had previously given back its copy of the Heisman Trophy after Bush was found by the NCAA to have received illegal benefits during 2004 and 2005.
“The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting, Bush’s statement said. “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.”
Earlier this week, Vince Young, who finished second to Bush in the voting in 2005, said he would welcome the award if Bush was stripped of the award.
