Reggie Bush & the Heisman Debacle

Introducing the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, from USC, running back, Reggie Bush...

On December 10, 2005, Reggie Bush became the 71st winner of the Heisman Trophy, the "Most Prestigious Award in College Football." Just over five years later, Bush was to return the trophy because of his irresponsible actions and lack of integrity while at USC and in the NCAA recruiting process.

In 2005, Bush had one of the most dominating, and incredible, seasons in the history of college football. He amassed 1,740 rushing yards, 478 receiving yards, 672 yards from kick returns and 19 touchdowns. Bush won the Heisman Trophy over Vince Young of Texas and teammate Matt Leinart, who had won the award in 2004.

So what did Bush do to cause this incredible season and these unforgettable memories to be erased from the history books? Bush accepted improper benefits from an agent; over $300,000 in hotel fees, cars, house rent, spending money and more.

When Bush was found guilty after NCAA probing in 2010, USC was punished for Bush's dirty deeds. The Trojans were put on a four-year probation, put on a two-year postseason ban, removed of 30 scholarships for the next three years and were forced to vacate all of their wins from 2005 and their 2004 National Championship.

And Bush is punished... how?

Since Bush is in the NFL now, the NCAA could not touch him. He was sued by the people who gave him the benefits because he did not pay them back; does that count? No.

The NCAA is completely out of control. Stories come out every year about recruiting violations, improper benefits and other illegal activity from collegiate programs. The NCAA hands out discipline, the school self-imposes some restrictions for the future seasons.

That is good, right? The school learns its lesson and the player who committed the "crime" gets kicked off the team. But what about in Bush's case, where the player has moved on and earned millions of dollars in bonuses, salaries and endorsements at the professional level? Well, the NCAA is out of luck.

There was some pressure on Bush to return his Heisman Trophy after this stuff came out. Of course his off-the-field antics have nothing against him being the best collegiate player in 2005, but in the eyes of the "Heisman Trust," Bush did not represent what it meant to be a role model and a champion.

So the "Trust" stripped him of the honor, just like it never happened (if you check out the list of Heisman Winners on their website, the winner for 2005 does not even exist!). Bush actually spoke of his regret and mistakes, and claimed that he would return the trophy as a sign of respect.

However, Bush has not yet returned the trophy, which he had loaned to the San Diego Hall of Champions. It has recently been returned to the Bush family from the museum and the whereabouts of the stiff-arming statue are not exactly known at this point...