On June 30, 2021, the NCAA dominated that its student-athletes may begin incomes cash for using their title, picture and likeness, opening the door for gamers to be paid by means of sponsorship offers, endorsements and extra. Nearly instantly, Bush lobbied to get his Heisman Trophy again as the foundations he allegedly broke basically had been now not in impact.
The Heisman Belief initially stated it might solely return the trophy if the NCAA reinstated Bush’s data from the 2005 season. Nevertheless, after the NCAA refused, the Heisman Belief reinstated it anyway.
Bush additionally filed a defamation lawsuit towards the NCAA in August (extra on that in a minute).
“Though faculty athletes can now obtain advantages from their names, photos and likenesses by means of actions like endorsements and appearances, NCAA guidelines nonetheless don’t allow pay-for-play kind preparations,” an NCAA spokesperson stated on the time. “The NCAA infractions course of exists to advertise equity in faculty sports activities. The foundations that govern honest play are voted on, agreed to and anticipated to be upheld by all NCAA member faculties.”
Different former Heisman Trophy winners publicly lobbied for Bush to get his award again. Johnny Manziel, the 2012 winner, stated he wouldn’t attend the annual ceremony till Bush was allowed again.
Michael Comerford, the president of the Heisman Belief, cited “the big modifications in faculty athletics over the past a number of years” in a press release Wednesday saying the reinstatement of Bush’s trophy. Bush known as the choice “a private victory” and “a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters.”
