USC Star Reggie Bush Won't Have Heisman Trophy Returned Despite New NCAA Rules

There are renewed calls for the NCAA to give Reggie Bush his Heisman Trophy back amid the new rule that allows college athletes to earn money off their name, image and likeness. Recognized as college football’s best player in 2005, Bush gave his award back five years later after he was banned by the NCAA for receiving improper benefits.

Bush seemingly had the same thought as those on social media, contacting the NCAA. The former USC star, however, doesn’t expect to get his wish.

"Over the last few months, on multiple occasions, my team and I have reached out to both the NCAA and The Heisman Trust in regard to the reinstatement of my college records and the return of my Heisman," Bush said in a statement. "We left multiple messages for Michael Comerford, the President of the Heisman Trust, but instead received a call from Rob Whalen, the Executive Director, who stated that Mr. Comerford would not be calling us back and that, in any event, they could not help us.”

Bush is one of the greatest running backs in college football history. The former Trojan ran for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons, along with 1,301 receiving yards and 13 scores.

Bush was part of the USC national championship team that had its national title vacated. The Trojans had their wins vacated for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons and received a two-year postseason ban.

“We reached out to the NCAA on multiple occasions and received no help or got no response at all," Bush said. "It is my strong belief that I won the Heisman trophy 'soley' due to my hard work and dedication on the football field and it is also my firm belief that my records should be reinstated."

Former college stars, including 2012 Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, have publicly called for Bush to get his award back.

Bush told The Athletic last year that he believes some of his USC teammates could've potentially earned millions of dollars if the NCAA's new NIL rule had been in place.

“It’s L.A., Hollywood, our sideline every game was packed with celebrities,” Bush said. “We had Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell. It wouldn’t have been just me. We had (Matt) Leinart, LenDale (White) and so many great players on our team who were so big at the college level that probably could’ve made hundreds of thousands of dollars. It would’ve been life-changing not only for them but also for their families. Their families are struggling while the universities are making money off them."