Report: Johnny Manziel Played Role In The Reggie Bush Decision

24/04/2024 20:34

The Heisman Trust formally returned Reggie Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy on Wednesday. The former USC running back rejoins a fraternity that includes one vocal supporter.

Johnny Manziel declared last month that he wouldn't attend any future Heisman ceremonies until Bush got his trophy back. ESPN's Pete Thamel, who first reported the Heisman's decision, believes Manziel's stance put pressure on the Trust.

"I do think Johnny Manziel's public plea made a difference the other day," Thamel said on the Pat McAfee Show. "The Heisman is an age-old institution that's sensitive to criticism, and when one of their own came out that strongly, I think that mattered."

Bush forfeited his Heisman in 2010 amid NCAA sanctions that included him and his family receiving impermissible benefits during his college career. Thamel believes "momentum shifted two years ago" since nothing Bush did would be illegal under current NIL rules.

The Trust said "fundamental changes in college athletics" prompted them to give Bush his award.

"We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie," Heisman Trophy Trust president Michael Comerford said in a statement. "We are so happy to welcome him back."

Manziel applauded the decision on social media. The 2012 Heisman winner wrote that he "couldn't be happier for my guy" and no longer plans to boycott future ceremonies.

"Thank you to the Heisman Trophy for doing what's right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold," Manziel said. "There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December. You deserve it."