He’s making another push.
Reggie Bush would like his Heisman Trophy back now that the NCAA is allowing athletes to make money off their names, images and likenesses.
“It is my strong belief that I won the Heisman Trophy ‘solely’ due to my hard work and dedication on the football field, and it is also my firm belief that my records should be reinstated,” the former USC running back said in a statement.
Bush, 36, won the 2005 Heisman after a spectacular season but returned the trophy under pressure in 2010 amid an NCAA investigation. The college sports governing body determined that Bush received “improper benefits” in 2004 and that none of his 2005 games should count.
Since that 2010 ruling, however, public opinion has shifted on college athletes being paid, and Thursday marked the beginning of a new era. Starting July 1, college athletes can make money for their name, image and likeness, whether that be acting as paid sponsors for products or just playing country music.
Bush took the opportunity to remind people that he’s still missing his hardware. He said he attempted to contact the NCAA and the Heisman Trust to get it back, with no luck.
“I never cheated this game,” he wrote. “That was what they wanted you to believe about me.”