There are few clubs as exclusive as the Heisman Trophy, but one member who won the award had it stripped away, much to the ire of others. Now, another former Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel, is coming to the aid of Reggie Bush and has promised to remove himself from the Heisman Trophy ceremony until Bush gets his Heisman back.
Why is Johnny Manziel boycotting the Heisman Trophy, and why did Reggie Bush lose his award?
Johnny Manziel Withdraws From Heisman Trophy Ceremony
Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy in 2012, following one of the most impressive quarterbacking seasons in the history of college football. Afterward, he would go on to struggle in the NFL but has remained a very public figure due partly to his off-field exploits.
Recently though, Manziel decided to use his platform to advocate for another Heisman winner in an effort to help him receive his stripped trophy back.
After careful thought and consideration I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy.
Do the…
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) March 2, 2024
Manziel called on the NCAA to “do the right thing” and return Bush’s Heisman Trophy that was previously stripped from his possession.
It’s somewhat unclear what this will mean for Manziel, but it’s reasonable to think that he will not be participating in any Heisman events or promotions until further notice.
Why Did Reggie Bush Lose His Heisman Trophy?
Reggie Bush originally won the Heisman in 2005, but was later deemed ineligible as far back as 2004 for receiving thousands of dollars in impermissible benefits and a vehicle while in school at USC.
In 2010, Bush voluntarily gave up his Heisman Trophy but in recent years has expressed a desire to have his records and awards restored.
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That coincides with the rise of Name, Image and Likeness, a set of rules allowing student-athletes to profit off their image. Since everything Bush did in 2004 and 2005 is now legal, the argument is that he should receive a full restoration of his awards and records.
Bush has found support among many players and fans with Johnny Manziel’s protest the latest such example.
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