Reggie Bush To Forfeit Heisman Trophy, Gives Statement

On Tuesday afternoon, former USC running back Reggie Bush announced that he will voluntarily forfeit his status as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner. Here is Bush's statement:

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.

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. 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.

I will forever appreciate the honor bestowed upon me as a winner of the Heisman. While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away.

Bush, in summary, says he is giving up the award to preserve its integrity. Though his ceding of the title is voluntary, reports emerged last week that the Heisman trust was prepared to strip Bush of the trophy and associated title, so he ultimately may not have had much choice in the matter.

Bush's remarks on Tuesday, just like his earlier remarks, opened and closed without an explicit apology.

No decision has been announced regarding who, if anyone, will be re-designated as the winner of the 2005 Heisman, although then-Texas quarterback Vince Young, who was runner-up to Bush in the voting, has said he 'wouldn't say no' if he were given the award.

For more on Reggie Bush and USC, check out our Trojans blog, Conquest Chronicles, and our Saints blog, Canal Street Chronicles.