New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush will forfeit his Heisman Trophy, according to a statement published by the Saints.
Bush’s announcement comes after his alma mater, USC, has been sanctioned for Bush accepting gifts while he was a running back for the Trojans.
In a prepared statement, Bush called the decision “heart-breaking” but finds solace in that the award “was made possible by the support and love of so many.”
“The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting,” Bush said in the statement. “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.
USC has already returned its copy of the trophy to the Heisman Trust, the group that awards the trophy. A report came out recently that Bush’s Heisman would be stripped, but the Heisman Trust initially denied those reports.
This is the first time a Heisman has been returned by a player.
 
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