Bush gives up his 2005 Heisman Trophy

Reggie Bush took the unprecedented step of giving back his Heisman Trophy yesterday, saying the scandal over improper benefits while he was a star running back at Southern California should not stain "the dignity of this award." The New Orleans Saints' star won the Heisman in 2005.

Returning the trophy has no practical effect on Bush since he's already in the pros. But it is the first time in the award's 75-year history that a player has returned it.

USC was hit with heavy sanctions by the NCAA this summer after it determined Bush and his family had received hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts from two fledgling California-based marketing agents. The NCAA ruled that Bush was ineligible for the 2005 season.

One of the few guidelines given to Heisman Trophy voters is that a player must be in compliance with NCAA rules to be eligible for the trophy.

"The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting," Bush said in a 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.

"For the rest of my days, I will continue to strive to demonstrate through my actions and words that I was deserving of the confidence placed in me by the Heisman Trophy Trust."

The trust met Tuesday; it had no comment. Whether the 2005 Heisman will be vacated or given to Young remains to be seen.

"Just heard about Reggies Heisman," Young posted on his Twitter account. "Reg will continue to be the 2005 Award recipient and I will continue to be honored to have been in the 2005 Heisman campaign with such a talented athlete."- AP