Reggie Bush has his Heisman Trophy back. Now he wants his reputation restored by the NCAA.
After having his Heisman Trophy returned, Reggie Bush is on a mission to have his reputation within the NCAA restored.
The two-time All-American running back does not doubt his efforts since he “never cheated” during his three seasons at USC.
“There was never a doubt in my mind that it would come,” Bush said. “Because I know the truth is on my side.”
“It was more of being labeled a cheater,” Bush said. “The trophy … being taken away from me (was painful), but being labeled a cheater was far worse, because I’ve never cheated, and there’s no proof of that, that I’ve cheated.”
Speed up 11 years later when the NCAA introduced policy changes that allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. Bush hoped his case would be reconsidered under the new guidelines however the NCAA says their “rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements.”
“It’s about truth, getting the facts out, and holding the NCAA accountable,” Bush said at the time.
While Bush has his Heisman Trophy back, the NCAA still vacated 14 wins by the USC Trojans and erased many of Bush’s achievements from the record books. He’s hoping his defamation suit will reverse the governing body’s stance.
“This is a clarion call to the NCAA to do the right thing, to get on the right side of history,” attorney Ben Crump said.
“You can’t get to this, or a national championship, by cheating,” Bush said. “I promise you that.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
