Reggie Bush Forfeits Heisman

A week after saying the status of his Heisman Trophy was out of his hands, the Associated Press reported that former USC tailback Reggie Bush will be giving back the honors awarded to him after his 2005 college football campaign. In a statement released by Bush's current team New Orleans Saints:

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 to forfeit 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.

This comes on the heels of the Heisman Trust meeting tonight to discuss whether to strip the honor from Bush since the NCAA deemed Bush ineligible as a student-athlete.

Bush is now the first former Heisman winner and reportedly the Heisman honors for the 2005 college football season will remain vacated.