Reggie Bush is reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes two decades after he accepted money and gifts at USC.

Reggie Bush was reinstated Wednesday as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, as award organizers cited fundamental changes in the structure of college athletics in the 14 years since Bush lost the trophy and that honor .

Bush relinquished his Heisman following an NCAA investigation that found he received impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans.

His award was rescinded in 2010 after USC was hit with massive NCAA sanctions when it was discovered that Bush and his family had received money and gifts from new marketing agents who hoped to represent him.

Today, college athletes can profit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to end the conflict with one of the most exciting players in the history of the sport.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, chairman of the Heisman Trophy Trust.

Bush had 2,218 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns en route to winning the Heisman

“We considered the tremendous changes in college athletics over the past several years to decide that now was the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are very pleased to welcome him back.

The Heisman Trust returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will also be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

Bush won the award as college football’s top player after rushing for 2,218 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005.

His 784 first-place votes were the fifth-most in Heisman history, and the trophy was a crowning achievement for Bush after three seasons at USC as one of the most dynamic college football players in decades.

“I am grateful to once again be recognized as a Heisman Trophy recipient,” Bush said in a statement. “This reinstatement is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have supported me throughout this arduous journey.”

Bush’s reinstatement gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, the most among any school.

USC coach Lincoln Riley also said, “What a historic day! Reggie’s reintroduction to the Heisman family is a special moment for everyone associated with USC football. We are delighted that the sporting achievements of Reggie, one of the greatest to ever play the game, can be officially recognized.

Bush is seen with his wife, Lilit Avagyan, and their daughter, Briseis, in March

Many fans were in favor of Bush collecting the trophy, and some pointed out the absurdity of the situation when the official Heisman account mourned the death of OJ Simpson – who was found civilly responsible for the death of his wife, Nicole Brown and her. friend Ron Goldman.

The sanctions against USC were the end result of a prolonged and antagonistic dispute between the NCAA and USC under the leadership of former athletic director Mike Garrett.

USC received a two-year postseason ban and lost 30 scholarships to the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 Trojans victories central to Bush’s career, including the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

USC was even required to “disassociate” itself from Bush for 10 years following the NCAA decision. The school immediately ended its disassociation at the end of that period in June 2020, welcoming Bush back to the school.