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

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

Bush gave up his Heisman following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. 

He had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with massive NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.

Today, college athletes are allowed to profit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to move past the conflict with one of the most exciting players in the sport's history.

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

 'We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.'

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

Bush won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing 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 the recipient of the Heisman Trophy,' 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 stood by me throughout this arduous journey.'

The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

USC coach Lincoln Riley also said, 'What a historic day! Reggie´s reintroduction to the Heisman Family is a special moment for every person that has been associated with USC football. We are thrilled that Reggie´s athletic accomplishments as one of the greatest to ever play the game can officially be recognized.'

Many fans were supportive of Bush getting the trophy back, and some pointed out their perceived absurdity of the situation when the Heisman's official account mourned the death of OJ Simpson - who was found civilly liable for the death of his wife, Nicole Brown and and her friend Ron Goldman.

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

USC received a two-year postseason ban and lost a whopping 30 scholarships under the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 wins by the Trojans during the heart of 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' from Bush for 10 years following the NCAA's decision. The school immediately ended its disassociation when that period ended in June 2020, welcoming Bush back to the school.