Former running back Reggie Bush at NFL Network press conference. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Heisman Trust will return Reggie Bush's trophy if NCAA reinstates him

After the NCAA granted college athletes rights to profit off their names, images and likenesses earlier this week, former USC running back Reggie Bush released a statement saying that he believes both his records and his Heisman Trophy should be reinstated.

Bush was awarded the Heisman Trophy after his incredible 2,218 total yard, 18 touchdown 2005 season. However, following an NCAA investigation, he returned the trophy after it was revealed he and his family had received nearly $300,000 in cash, living arrangements, and other benefits.

The 36-year-old said he has reached out to the Heisman Trust multiple times about returning his trophy. In a statement Friday, the organization said their rules governing eligibility for the award say that "the recipient must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student athlete."

Since there has been no action toward players punished in the past, the Heisman Trust said the NCAA must reinstate him before they can give him the award. 

"Bush's 2005 season records remain vacated by the NCAA and, as a result, under the rule set forth by the Heisman Trust and stated on the Heisman Ballot, he is not eligible to be awarded the 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy," the trust said, according to ESPN. "Should the NCAA reinstate Bush's 2005 status, the Heisman Trust looks forward to welcoming him back to the Heisman family."

Bush isn't the only one advocating for his award to be returned. Several other college athletes have voiced support for the star running back over the past few days, including Johnny Manziel and George Kittle.

Despite the support, it doesn't appear Bush will be getting his award back. He has contacted the NCAA but hasn't heard back. 

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