The Heisman Trophy Trust met Wednesday afternoon and determined that it will not re-award the prestigious honor after Bush forfeited the trophy on Tuesday.
Bush was awarded the 2005 Heisman in a landslide vote over Texas quarterback, Vince Young, but faced immense pressure since his award-winning season. The former USC running back was accused of receiving improper benefits during his career with the Trojans, and the school has since faced heavy sanctions based upon the benefits he and basketball player, O.J. Mayo, received.
Before the Heisman Trust met to determine whether or not it would take the Heisman away from Bush, he returned it. It was the first time in history that the Heisman was returned by a recipient.
"It was a difficult decision to return the Heisman Trophy and he exhibited great character in acknowledging his mistakes and accepting the consequences, " the Heisman Trophy Trust said in a statement. "As a result of Reggie Bush's decision to forfeit his title as Heisman winner of 2005, the Trustees have determined that there will be no Heisman Trophy winner for the year 2005,"
It was debated whether or not Young would receive the trophy, as he was the runner-up in the 2005 voting. However, under the circumstances, the Tennessee Titans quarterback said he wouldn't want the award even if he had been determined the righteous recipient.
"I would not want to have it, and don't want the trophy," Young told reporters on Wednesday. "Like I said, 2005 Reggie Bush is the Heisman Trophy winner. Why would I want it?"
So for the first time in 74 years — ever since the Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935 — a blank space will become permanent on college football's most prestigious list.
