Heisman Am(Bush)

Reggie Bush electrified us all with his speed and quick moves that had us believing he was psychic and could see the future. He was part of two national championship teams and was closed to winning a third, but his Trojans were defeated by Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns in 2005. Although Bush didn’t win the 05’ National Championship trophy, he did take home the covenant Heisman Trophy as the NCAA’s most valuable player. But no sooner than his professional career began so did the rumors of him receiving money from an agent’s runner. At first, people dismissed it as hearsay, but then the alleged runner was interviewed on ESPN’s Outside The Lines.

This interview would prove to be damaging to the University of Southern California (USC) athletic program, because it was followed up with the same allegations against O.J. Mayo, USC basketball player. With both of these allegations hovering over the USC program, it was only a matter of time before the NCAA brought down the hammer.

When the smoke cleared, both USC football and basketball programs were declared in violation of NCAA compliance and were handed infraction penalties. To make matters worse, the university’s president stripped the USC facilities of all Bush’s memorabilia, including a copy of his Heisman trophy; wiping away his legacy on campus. As the media pressure continued, the pressure to take back Bush’s Heisman trophy mounted as well. But before the Heisman Trophy trust was able to make a decision, Bush made it for him by giving it back.

As noble as Bush’s gesture was I feel very bad for this young man and how he has been treated by the NCAA, USC, and the media. His story is a classic example of how people can turn their backs on sports celebrity in a blink of an eye. His fall from grace is one where only one person, Reggie Bush, is being punished for everyone else’s negligent behavior. But what is the correct way to handle this type of violation?

First, USC should have stuck by Bush through this ordeal. If they really think that no one besides Bush and the running back coach only knew about these illegal financial benefits Bush was receiving, they are as naïve and ignorant as Sarah Palin. Why do you think Pete Carroll ran out of there as fast as he could? He knew it was coming, but he’s still acting as if he was oblivious to the fact. However, the university jumped ship and gave back their copy of Bush’s Heisman trophy. But if they really felt so appalled by his behavior, why don’t they give back the BCS Bowl money they received for playing in the national championship game?

Secondly, the entire amateurism system needs to be restructured, starting with the NCAA office. The NCAA is a billion dollar industry that continues to gain more revenue each new television contract, but the employees (the players) make no money besides a year to year scholarship for their labor. And when an alleged violation occurs the accused is guilty until proven innocent, similar to our justice system. (Just kidding, I think). It seems lately the NCAA has been on a witch hunt to catch African American athletes or so it seems. Over the past two months over 20 African American athletes have been charged by the NCAA with eligibility violations.
Unfortunately, these players are unable to play until the NCAA proves they are innocent. And when they are found innocent they are given no retribution for the NCAA’s overzealousness, only a quick ESPN announcement that they were cleared. But on the flipside, if they are found guilty they will receive a stiff penalty and a media blitz of derogatory comments of how they are unappreciative and should feel privileged to be able to play college sports.

On the other hand, the coaches, administrative staff, and the university go on with their lives still intact with no repercussions. Can someone tell me how this is fair? Where the university and the parties involved keep everything gained from a compliance violation, but the student-athlete is thrown to the wolves. That to me is not justice. In today’s economy that is called a “Bailout!”

Finally, the Heisman Trophy Committee taking Bush’s name off the list of the honorees, leaving it blank for 2005. How disrespectful can they get? You can’t take away the fact that it was a landslide in the voting ballots in favor of Bush. You can’t take away all the jaw dropping runs he made that are still etched in the minds of many. The one time the voters got it right, they took it away. Well, as far as I’m concerned, I feel like Bush. They can have the trophy. “He doesn’t need no stinky trophy!” He is still the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner in my eyes!