Staff Reports
In recent news, there has been a lot of talk about Reggie Bush, a former college football player, and his Heisman Trophy. Reggie Bush received his Heisman Trophy back after it was taken away in 2010 due to reports of him receiving benefits while playing for the University of Southern California. The Heisman Trust decided to reinstate Bush’s award, citing changes in college athletics such as name, image, and likeness compensations for players.
Welcome Home!
We are reinstating the 2005 Heisman Trophy to the University of Southern California’s @ReggieBush!
In 2005, Bush gained more than 2000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes, the fifth-most in Heisman Trophy history, while… pic.twitter.com/34oCD7P8CY
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) April 24, 2024
Some people believe that this decision shows presentism, which means judging past events by today’s standards. They argue that giving back Bush’s Heisman Trophy is an attempt to erase the past and rewrite history to fit modern values. Additionally, other athletes have faced consequences for receiving benefits in the past, such as suspensions and lost eligibility, so they question whether those individuals should also be reconsidered in light of present-day changes.
While some celebrate Bush’s reinstatement, others wonder if more should be done to address past issues in college sports. The NCAA has not indicated any plans to rescind old rulings due to recent rule changes, so the focus remains on Reggie Bush and the impact of returning his Heisman Trophy. It raises the question of whether returning one award is sufficient or if further actions need to be taken by schools, conferences, and governing bodies in college athletics.
While it is good to see Reggie Bush recognized for his accomplishments, it is also essential to consider the implications of selectively revisiting past decisions based on current norms. College sports have a complex history, and addressing past wrongs requires careful reflection and consideration beyond individual awards.
