Reggie Bush Heisman controversy takes new turn amid big shift in college sports

Los Angeles, California - One of college football's big controversies has been resolved!

USC legend and Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy has officially been reinstated after a historic decision by the Heisman Trust.
USC legend and Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy has officially been reinstated after a historic decision by the Heisman Trust.  © Collage: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP & Screenshot / Instagram / Reggiebush

And no, it's not the ongoing Michigan sign-stealing scandal with still-to-be-determined disciplinary actions.

Rather, former USC running back Reggie Bush is set to regain his Heisman Trophy!

In 2010, Bush had to forfeit his Heisman Trophy due to major NCAA sanctions for the Trojans program, which included improper benefits he received during his time in college.

The Heisman Trust came to the conclusion to return the trophy as a result of the "enormous changes in the college football landscape," alluding to the new NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness law.

"Personally, I'm thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I'm honored to return to the Heisman family," Bush said in a statement to ESPN. "I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization."

Bush isn't just getting his Heisman Trophy back – USC will also receive a replica trophy to put on display. The Super Bowl champion will now be able to attend all future Heisman ceremonies starting next season and assist the Heisman trust on future missions.

Why has Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy been returned to him?

15 years after forfeiting the trophy, Reggie Bush is finally honored as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.
15 years after forfeiting the trophy, Reggie Bush is finally honored as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.  © Stephen Chernin / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

After 15 years, Reggie Bush is finally getting his Heisman Trophy back.

Many people felt the initial decision to take it away was unfair to the USC legend, but this change by the NCAA and the Heisman Trust marks a big shift in college sports as a whole.

As college sports move towards a semi-professional model, athletes can now profit from their name and image, which played a big part in Bush getting his trophy back.

Experts and fans have noticed that college football is evolving to look more like a mini-NFL, with player compensation and conference realignments becoming more common.

An official ceremony is set to take place for Reggie Bush by the Heisman trust on Wednesday.

Cover photo: Collage: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP & Screenshot / Instagram / Reggiebush

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