USC Welcomes Back Reggie Bush After 10-Year NCAA Ban

"I've dreamed of this day for 10-plus years, and I'm excited to come home," Bush said.

USC Welcomes Back Reggie Bush After 10-Year NCAA Ban
Reggie Bush poses for a portrait overlooking Los Angeles in 2005. (Sporting News via Getty Images/)
Sporting News via Getty Images

After a decade, the Trojans have ended their NCAA-imposed war with former star running back Reggie Bush.

The University of Southern California formally welcomed back the 35-year-old on the final day of his 10-year disassociation ban from the school due to NCAA violations. Bush was informed the restrictions and prohibitions on his involvement in USC’s athletics program had been lifted courtesy of a letter from USC president Carol L. Folt.

“When I was hired to represent the Trojan Family as the Director of Athletics, I committed to listening and learning before leading. Throughout this process, one of the consistent themes that emerged from my discussions was how much Reggie Bush means to our former players, USC alumni, and fans everywhere,”  said USC director of athletics Mike Bohn. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Reggie and so many of his teammates, and I’m pleased his disassociation has ended so that we can welcome him back to our family. I’m confident that Reggie will use his incredible platform and influential voice to support and empower all of our student-athletes.”

A two-time All-American, Bush returned his Heisman Trophy and USC was hit with multiple penalties — including vacating the 2004 BCS national championship — after an investigation determined Bush and his family members accepted cash, travel expenses and a rent-free home in the San Diego area while he was a student-athlete.

“I’ve dreamed of this day for 10-plus years, and I’m excited to come home,” he said.

Drafted second overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by New Orleans, Bush played 11 years in the NFL with the Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills.

A two-time national champion with the Trojans and a Super Bowl winner with the Saints, Bush finished his NFL career with more than 9,000 total yards from scrimmage and 58 touchdowns.

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