Reggie Bush is stuck in a precarious position right now. He’s not trying to duck a defensive end, outrun a linebacker or slip a safety. Instead, the New Orleans Saints running back is in a lot of hot water thanks to allegations he took money and favors from agents during his time at the University of Southern California in 2004 and 2005. As a result, Bush has had his name and likeness removed from the USC campus after the NCAA penalized the school’s football team mercilessly. There’s even been rumblings that he may be required to give back his Heisman Trophy at some point in the very near future.

Here at DrJays Live, we actually like Reggie Bush and all that he brings to the game (including the ladies in the box seats! What up, Kim Kardashian?!). And we’d like to see him come out of this whole thing in one piece. So we put together a list of five reasons Reggie should give up his Heisman Trophy voluntarily. Not only would it end this whole mess—it’d also help a young man clear his name. So, what do ya say, Reg?

1. Giving back the trophy would stop the speculation. In case, you didn’t catch it, the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings kicked off the NFL regular season last night. Football is back! For Reggie, though, all that means is the media will have access to him every week for the next four months or so. If he wants to avoid questions about USC and the Heisman Trophy, his best bet is to give back the Heisman now before he’s forced to do it. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid, Reggie—just do it quickly and get it over with.

2. It would help the University of Southern California’s reputation immensely. If Reggie Bush cares about anyone at USC, if he ever wants to go back to watch a game or just to roam the hallowed hallways, if he has an inkling of regret about what he did during his days at the school, he should give back his Heisman Trophy now. The school has already given back their version of it, so Reggie doing it as well would help erase the dark cloud that’s currently covering the school, the football team and the current coaching staff.

3. It would be a savvy PR move. Right now, Reggie Bush has a chance to get back on the good side of football fans everywhere. By returning the Heisman, he’ll essentially be admitting that he did something wrong, even if he doesn’t come right out and say it. And Americans love apologies and love giving people second chances after they apologize. So by giving back his trophy, Bush would be saying, “I’m sorry,” without actually doing it and would probably get praised by anyone and everyone who watches, covers, or writes about football. That’s PR 101, people.

4. It would prove that Reggie Bush understands his role as a role model.

Somewhere out there, a 15-year-old kid is dreaming of making it to the NFL. He’s practicing out in the sandlot, working hard in the weight room and getting approached by all types of people who want a piece of his success. If he sees that Bush did things the wrong way and still succeeded, then why shouldn’t he follow his path? If he sees that Bush did things the wrong way and had to give back his Heisman Trophy? Well, now the kid might actually think before he acts and steer clear of agents, runners and anyone else who could jeopardize his college football career. It’s as simple as that.

5. It would increase the Saints’ chances of repeating as NFL champions. At some point—in Week 2 or 6 or 10 of the NFL season—this whole Heisman Trophy thing is going to become a distraction to the Saints. It hasn’t happened yet, because everything is still speculation and hearsay. But what’s gonna happen if the Saints’ offense is sputtering, Bush is struggling and a report comes out about something Bush did five years ago and the Saints are asked to respond? It’ll become a distraction. And the last thing an NFL team that’s focused on making another title run needs is another distraction. It’s just one more reason Reggie Bush should give back his Heisman Trophy now.

Bookmark to: