Bush to give up Heisman

[NewMexHawk]

"Perhaps" the reason Bush was "a student" at USC was because his family and he accepted the house and the cash, did you think of that. Did that give USC an unfair advantage at recruiting "perhaps?" That is why it is called cheating and that is why he would have been ruled inelgible.

It isn't like Bush and his family didn't know that it was against "NCAA rules" when they accpeted the freebies. They knowingly broke the rules and have to pay the penalty.

He shouldn't even have been on the field when Iowa played USC in the Orange Bowl (and probably some of the other players in all likelihood). Think that would have made a difference in the game if the cheaters had not been allowed to play? Do you really think Bush was the ONLY cheater on that team or was he the only one that got caught? Am I mistaken or wasn't Lienart living with him for awhile, which would have made HIM inelgible also.

These guys knew the rules and knowingly broke the rules and some of you and the media and others want to make excuses for them and make it alright when other schools and athletes are not cheating?

 

[HawkeyeMike23]

"Perhaps" the reason Bush was "a student" at USC was because his family and he accepted the house and the cash, did you think of that. Did that give USC an unfair advantage at recruiting "perhaps?" That is why it is called cheating and that is why he would have been ruled inelgible.

It isn't like Bush and his family didn't know that it was against "NCAA rules" when they accpeted the freebies. They knowingly broke the rules and have to pay the penalty.

He shouldn't even have been on the field when Iowa played USC in the Orange Bowl (and probably some of the other players in all likelihood). Think that would have made a difference in the game if the cheaters had not been allowed to play? Do you really think Bush was the ONLY cheater on that team or was he the only one that got caught? Am I mistaken or wasn't Lienart living with him for awhile, which would have made HIM inelgible also.

These guys knew the rules and knowingly broke the rules and some of you and the media and others want to make excuses for them and make it alright when other schools and athletes are not cheating?

Reggie Bush was a high school senior when we played them in the Orange Bowl, so no it would not have made a difference. I'm not sure if Lienart and Bush were living together, but Lienart comes from a pretty well off family, he was never one that was hurting for money. And the guys paying Bush weren't affiliated with USC in anyway, they were just agents trying to get Bush to sign with them, it seems like half the ACC and SEC is being investigated for the same thing now. Part of the reason the NCAA went after USC so hard was because USC was so defiant during the investigation and basically ignored their requests for information.

 

[burky247]

"Perhaps" the reason Bush was "a student" at USC was because his family and he accepted the house and the cash, did you think of that. Did that give USC an unfair advantage at recruiting "perhaps?" That is why it is called cheating and that is why he would have been ruled inelgible.

It isn't like Bush and his family didn't know that it was against "NCAA rules" when they accpeted the freebies. They knowingly broke the rules and have to pay the penalty.

He shouldn't even have been on the field when Iowa played USC in the Orange Bowl (and probably some of the other players in all likelihood). Think that would have made a difference in the game if the cheaters had not been allowed to play? Do you really think Bush was the ONLY cheater on that team or was he the only one that got caught? Am I mistaken or wasn't Lienart living with him for awhile, which would have made HIM inelgible also.

These guys knew the rules and knowingly broke the rules and some of you and the media and others want to make excuses for them and make it alright when other schools and athletes are not cheating?

I don't agree with that at all. By that logic, Troy Smith should give back his Heisman as well...since at one point he accepted money from boosters.

 

[tm3308]

I don't agree with that at all. By that logic, Troy Smith should give back his Heisman as well...since at one point he accepted money from boosters.

A few differences. 1. Smith didn't accept NEARLY the same amount of money/gifts/etc. 2. He paid it back. 3. He was punished for it.

Bush escaped ALL punishment, because he was gone before the ruling was made. He didn't pay back the money, either.

 

[DDThompson]

if it was me, they'd have to pry it out of my cold dead fingers

They might have to do the same when Reggie is taking his dirt nap, too.

Call me cynical, but Reggie's lawyers are good ventriliquoists and slight-of-hand artists.

I don't see anywhere in this statement that says he is going to return the trophy. I do see where he said he would forfeit his title.

Sounds like a distinction with a difference in Lawyerese.

One of the greatest honors of my life was winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. For me, it was a dream come true.

But I know that the Heisman is not mine alone. Far from it. I know that my victory was made possible by the discipline and hard work of my teammates, the steady guidance of my coaches, the inspiration of the fans, and the unconditional love of my family and friends. And I know that any young man fortunate enough to win the Heisman enters into a family of sorts. Each individual carries the legacy of the award and each one is entrusted with its good name.

It is for these reasons that I have made the difficult decision to forfeit my title as Heisman winner of 2005. The persistent media speculation regarding allegations dating back to my years at USC has been both painful and distracting. 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. Nor should it distract from outstanding performances and hard-earned achievements either in the past, present or future.

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. I would like to begin in this effort by turning a negative situation into a positive one by working with the Trustees to establish an educational program which will assist student-athletes and their families avoid some of the mistakes that I made. I am determined to view this event as an opportunity to help others and to advance the values and mission of the Heisman Trophy Trust.

I will forever appreciate the honor bestowed upon me as a winner of the Heisman. While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away.