UPDATE
7:37 AM PT — It’s official — Reggie Bush was welcomed back to the Heisman family on Wednesday … with the Trust sharing a picture of Bush posing with his trophy.
7:02 AM PT — Reggie just took to his Instagram page to celebrate the news — showing a picture of his Heisman Trophy with the caption, “No one can take from you what God has for you.”
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Reggie Bush is soon to be reunited with what’s rightfully his — the Heisman Trust is slated to reinstate the former USC superstar’s prestigious award on Wednesday … after he was stripped of the honor back in 2010.
Bush won the Heisman in 2005 after completing one of the best college football seasons ever … but the distinction was ripped from him after a lengthy NCAA investigation determined his family received improper benefits while he was a member of the Trojans program.
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Things have drastically changed in recent years due to the NCAA’s Name, Image and Likeness rules that allow athletes to profit off their name … and because of that, the Trust felt it was time to make things right with Bush.
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Bush spoke about the decision with ESPN … saying, “Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family.”
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“I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
The Trust came to its conclusion after a “deliberative process,” according to the outlet … and cited “fundamental changes in college athletics” as its reasoning for a change of heart.
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Trust president Michael Comerford welcomed Reggie back to the Heisman fam … adding, “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.”
Bush earned the honor after rushing for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground … while adding 478 receiving yards and two scores.
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2012 Heisman winner Johnny Manziel — who vowed to boycott the annual ceremony in solidarity with Bush — celebrated the news on Wednesday … sharing a pic of the running back with a goat emoji, praising him as one of the best to ever do it.
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Not only will Bush get his accolade back — USC will also have its replica trophy returned to campus.
Originally Published — 6:34 AM PT
