Under pressure since his award-winning 2005 campaign at USC, running back Reggie Bush said in a statement on Tuesday that he will forfeit the Heisman Trophy.
“One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005,” the statement released by the New Orleans Saints reads. “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 to forfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005.
“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,” Bush’s statement continues. “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.”
