Unless you’ve been in a coma and/or deceased for the past six hours, you’ve no doubt heard the news that Reggie Bush has decided to voluntarily strip himself of the Heisman Trophy and return it to the Heisman Trust.
As expected, there’s been considerable reaction to Bush’s decision from all across the vast expanses of the Internet. Of course, there have been the obligatory -- and necessary -- pieces chastising the ex-USC running back for failing to (still) apologize for what his actions have wrought on his supposedly beloved former football program and tarnishing his own legacy.
There have also been reactions from some of the principles involved in the four-year-long soap opera, both from those who have been inside the football program to one who could stand to gain the most from Bush forfeiting the trophy. Here’s a snapshot of how some of those individuals are viewing today’s events.
“I think it was a very noble thing for Reggie to do. We did what we were going to do - return our Heisman. This was clearly Reggie’s decision. My own personal view is, he made the right decision.” -- Pat Haden, USC athletic director.“I respect any decision that Reggie made. I’m sure it was extremely hard for him. I know talking to him earlier in the process - I didn’t speak to him today - this has been extremely difficult on him and something that has hurt him a lot.” -- Lane Kiffin, USC head coach.“It is my hope that this situation serves as a teachable moment to all involved, especially for the young athletes and university and high school administrators of tomorrow.” -- Pete Carroll, former USC head coach during Bush’s time at the school.“just heard about Reggie’s Heisman. 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.” -- Vince Young, runner-up to Bush in the 2005 Heisman voting, via Twitter.
