Reggie Bush ‘not even thinking’ about possibility of returning Heisman

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Reggie Bush didn’t say much Wednesday, but the former USC running back did speak to reporters after Saints practice in Metairie, La., addressing for the first time a Yahoo! Sports report he would be stripped of the 2005 Heisman Trophy.

‘I think at this point it’s kind of out of my hands,’ he said of the situation, not the trophy. ‘Whatever you guys report, you have to go with that. But if I’m not mistaken, I think the Heisman Trust people released a statement saying that whatever was said yesterday was inaccurate. So that’s where we’re at.’

The report cited two sources close to the Heisman Trophy Trust and said the organization is completing its investigation into Bush’s eligibility for the 2005 season and likely will reclaim the trophy before the end of the month. That would be unprecedented in the 75-year history of the award.

Robert Whalen, executive director of the trust, said Tuesday that no decision had been made regarding the Bush situation.

Asked if he would give the trophy back on his own, Bush said: ‘I’m not even thinking about that. I haven’t gone that far. Here we are the day before the biggest game of the new season [the Saints play host to the Vikings in the NFL opener Thursday], and that’s where my focus is...

‘I’ve said all I want to say, and everything else has to play itself out. It’s an unfortunate situation for everybody, including the kids at USC.’

Bush declined to say whether he has met with anyone from the Heisman Trust, and said he has not had contact with anyone from USC on the issue since his recent conversation with Athletic Director Pat Haden.

‘Lane Kiffin is a good friend of mine, and we speak on occasion,’ Bush said. ‘But I haven’t spoken to anybody regarding this specific stuff, whether it’s the violations or the Heisman stuff.’

Bush shrugged when asked if he thinks he deserves to keep the trophy.

‘The on-the-field play speaks for itself,’ he said. ‘That’s kind of it. It’s not my decision anymore. It’s not my choice.’

-- Sam Farmer in Metairie, La.