Last week reports surfaced that former USC running back Reggie Bush may be forced to return his 2005 Heisman Trophy by the Heisman Trophy Trust. On Tuesday ESPN reported that Bush decided with all of the controversy surrounding the award he would forfeit the award and return it of his own accord.
Runner-up in the ’05 Heisman Trophy voting, Vince Young, said in an interview with Hannah Storm, “I definitely want it,” when referring to a possible decision made by the Heisman Trophy Trust.
The Heisman Trophy Trust has not decided to hand down the award or vacate at this time. Bush is the first player in the 75-year history to forfeit the award.
Bush sounded contrite and determined to make the best of a negative situation in the following statement he released on the New Orleans Saints website:
One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. For me, it was a dream come true.
But I know that the Heisman is not mine alone. Far from it. I know that my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of my teammates, the steady guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans, and the unconditional love of my family and friends. 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 toforfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005. The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting. 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.
For the rest of my days, I will continue to strive to demonstrate through my actions and words that I was deserving of the confidence placed in me by the Heisman Trophy Trust. I would like to begin in this effort by turning a negative situation into a positive one by working with the Trustees to establish an educational program which will assist student-athletes and their families avoid some of the mistakes that I made. I am determined to view this event as an opportunity to help others and to advance the values and mission of the Heisman Trophy Trust.
I will forever appreciate the honor bestowed upon me as a winner of the Heisman. While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away.
