Saints RB Reggie Bush hopes giving up Heisman title gets controversy behind him

Bush: Giving up Heisman not an admission of guilt

METAIRIE, La. — Reggie Bush says his decision to relinquish his Heisman Trophy is not an admission of guilt.

The former Southern Cal running back says he didn’t want to give up his title as the 2005 Heisman winner, but felt it was the best way to silence negative talk surrounding his association with the award. He says his decision stemmed from his respect for the Heisman Trophy Trust and all other Heisman winners.

Bush says he hopes putting the matter behind him allows him to focus more on football. He says he remains dedicated to helping the defending champion New Orleans Saints win more Super Bowls.

The NCAA punished USC after concluding that Bush and his family took money and gifts from sports agents while Bush played for the Trojans.