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In a startling move that is sure to make waves across college football, former USC RB Reggie Bush announced that he would give up the Heisman Trophy he won following the 2005 season.  Bush, whose 784 first-place votes were the 2nd-most in Heisman Trophy history, made his announcement amid investigations into his alleged involvement with agents and boosters during his college career.

Reports surfaced in the past couple of years that Bush received various benefits from agents while at USC, in an effort to retain him as a client.  Specifically, he and his family were given hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts from two marketing agents working in California, who later sued to recoup the gifts after failing to sign him.  After determining that they did receive these benefits while in college, the NCAA levied massive sanctions on USC.  They declared that Bush was ineligible for the 2005 season and vacated 14 USC wins, one of which was a win against Oklahoma in the 2004-05 BCS Championship game.

Heisman regulations note that a player must be in full compliance with NCAA rules to be eligible for the award.  This put Bush’s trophy at stake, and rumors began to surface that the eight-man trust would revoke his trophy.  The trust held their own investigation, but before they came to a decision Bush made his.  USC had already returned Bush’s Heisman Trophy over the summer, in the wake of the sanctions levied against the school.

Questions arose over what to do with the Heisman Trophy once Bush decided to vacate it.  Some speculated that it would be awarded to Texas QB Vince Young, the runner-up to Bush that season.  Ironically, Young would lead Texas to a win over Bush and USC in the BCS Championship Game that season.  Young, however, has said he would not accept the trophy.  The decision has been made to simply leave the award vacant, listing no one as the trophy award winner.  This marks the only time in Heisman Trophy history that no winner will be listed.

Reggie Bush ran for 1740 yards and caught 39 passes for 481 yards in his Heisman Trophy season, scoring 19 total TDs.  Following the season, he declared for the 2006 NFL Draft, where he was selected second overall by the New Orleans Saints, one spot ahead of the aforementioned Vince Young.  Although he has failed to achieve the success he had as a collegiate athlete, Bush has been a useful player for the Saints, and helped them win the Super Bowl following the 2009 NFL season.

Statistical information was used from various sources, including NBC Sports and ESPN, in this report.

By: Rakibul Islam

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