Reggie Bush Stripped of Heisman Trophy Over NCAA Violations

The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the top college football player in any given year. The bronzed man signifies the best of the best and the award not only comes with prestige for the athlete and his alma mater, it also helps boost a player's draft number when turning professional. Heisman Trophy winner and University of Southern California standout Reggie Bush was no exception. Winning the award by a huge margin, Bush was a first round draft pick for the New Orleans Saints.

According to FoxNews, Bush will now become the first recipient in NCAA history to be stripped of the Heisman trophy, stemming from NCAA violations alleged against the player and his school during the 2005 football season. NCAA is the governing body for all college athletics. As part of the harsh punishment, USC will also return their copy of the trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust. In another controversial move, Vince Young, runner-up for the honor the year Bush won, will not receive the trophy.

The probe is not over as officials have yet to announce whether USC will also be stripped of their BCS bowl titles during the eventful year full of NCAA violations and victories for the football powerhouse. Bush and his family were found to be the recipient of some lavish gifts from agents competing for the player, a major violation of NCAA rules.

The gifts were no goodie baskets. Rather, they were more along the lines of limousine rides, 5-star hotel stays, and designer clothing. Oh yes, and a house for the Bush family. In the end, the embarrassing ordeal is one for the books and a lesson for all other football prospects easily enticed by the many agents courting them.

Related Resources:

• Reggie Bush Heisman Drama (Orlando Sentinel)
• USC Files Appeal to NCAA in Football Sanctions Case (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)