The Downtown Athletic Club in New York City established the Heisman Trophy, the greatest prize in collegiate football in America, in 1935. It honors the best college football player each year, emphasizing talent, dedication, and effort on the field.
Originally known as the DCA Trophy, the trophy was renamed in 1936 in honor of the renowned coach and athletic director John Heisman. College football players who have proven their athletic prowess and sportsmanship are recognized with the Heisman Trophy. Notable winners include Tim Tebow, Herschel Walker, and Archie Griffin.
Which player has given up their Heisman Trophy?
The only player to forfeit his Heisman Trophy is Reggie Bush, who did so in 2010 after USC was fined by the NCAA for Bush's unlawful benefit receipts. Following major modifications to collegiate athletics, he was later reinstated by the Heisman Trust in 2024.
Why did Reggie Bush forfeit his Heisman Trophy?
Bush and his family were accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts from two California-based marketing agents. This happened months after Bush had already been drafted No. 2 overall by the Saints. Bush denied any misconduct right once, but the NCAA and Pac-10 soon started looking into him and the USC football team.
Bush, however, did not meet with investigators. Lloyd Lake, one of the marketing representatives, filed a lawsuit against Bush in an attempt to recover about $300,000 in gifts and cash. Bush was expected to give a deposition in the case, but never did, and eventually the matter was settled with Bush never having provided his side of the story publicly. The NCAA's inquiry took four years to finish, and in June 2010, Bush's Heisman Trophy was taken from him.
What happened in the aftermath?
USC received a citation from the NCAA for lacking institutional control. During their one-year stay with the Trojans, Bush and Mayo received a number of unlawful benefits, according to its findings.
Among the sanctions were the forfeiture of 14 football games that Bush participated in between December 2004 and the 2005 season, as well as the loss of 30 football scholarships over three years. Bush's Heisman-winning 2005 season concluded in a loss to Texas in the 2006 BCS title game, but USC won 12 games and defeated Oklahoma in the BCS title game on January 4, 2005.
When was Reggie Bush's Heisman award reinstated?
Reggie Bush received his Heisman Trophy again after a 14-year absence. In April 2024, the Heisman Trust made the decision to bring back Bush's award, pointing to the significant shifts in collegiate football. The initial penalties appeared out of proportion to the current situation when Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations were introduced, allowing collegiate athletes to make money off of their likeness.
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FAQs on Heisman Trophy
A. Reggie Bush forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010 as a 2005 winner.
A. Bush's family received gifts that violated NCAA rules, leading to an investigation. He renounced the trophy amid NCAA sanctions.
A. USC faced sanctions due to Reggie Bush's improper benefits, including forfeiting victories and bowl game bans.
A. Past winners include Reggie Bush, Archie Griffin, Tim Tebow, and Herschel Walker.
A. USC ended its disassociation with Reggie Bush on June 9, 2020, after a 10-year period required by the NCAA.
