Why was Reggie Bush banned from USC? – The US Sun

THE University of Southern California has officially ended its disassociation with Reggie Bush a decade after he was forced into exile by the National College Athletic Association.

USC announced the end of the NCAA-mandated ban on Wednesday morning with just four words: "Welcome home, Reggie Bush."

Reggie Bush is no longer disassociated with USC, the university announced on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images - Getty

'I have dreamed of this day for 10-plus years and I'm excited to come home!' Bush said of the newsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Yahoo! Sports reported Bush received the news through a letter sent by USC President Carol Folt.

"I have dreamed of this day for 10-plus years and I'm excited to come home!" Bush said, according to the news outlet.

As Trojans fans rejoice throughout California, here's why the running back was banned from his alma mater.

USC announced the end of the NCAA-mandated disassociation in a tweet on Wednesday morningCredit: Twitter

Who is Reggie Bush?

Bush is a former running back who played college football at USC, where he won the highly coveted Heisman Trophy in 2005 after leading the Trojans to back to back championships in 2003 and 2004.

He decided to forgo his senior year of college to enter the NFL Draft in 2006.

His stellar career at USC made him the second pick of his draft class, and he was selected by the New Orleans Saints.

Bush spent his 11-year career suiting up for the Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills before he retired in 2017.

He was inducted into USC's Hall of Fame last June, and joined FOX Sports as a college football analyst before the start of the 2019 season.

Bush suited up for the Trojans for three years before entering the NFL Draft in 2006Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Bush was drafted by the New Orleans Saints, whom he won a Super Bowl championship with in 2010Credit: Sports Illustrated - Getty

Why was he banned from USC?

Bush's ban was part of several major penalties USC received from the NCAA after an investigation found he had received forbidden kickbacks from marketing agents as a student.

As a result, former college football star forfeited his Heisman Trophy in September 2010.

In a statement announcing his decision, he called the bribery allegations dating back to his college years "painful and distracting".

The Heisman Trophy Trust, which gives out the award, reportedly was close to making a decision on whether to revoke Bush's trophy, according to NPR.

Bush came under fire in 2010 after an investigation revealed forbidden kickbacks he allegedly received as a studentCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The former Trojan forfeited his Heisman Trophy as a result, saying the allegations against him were 'painful and distracting'Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Why did Colin Kaepernick take the knee?

Colin Kaepernick, then-quarterback for the 49ers, said in 2016 he refused to stand for the national anthem during a preseason football game against the Green Bay Packers because of the way black Americans and minorities are treated in the US.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL media during a post-game interview.

"To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way."

The 32-year-old took a knee or sat on the sidelines in protest of racial injustice for all 16 NFL games during the 2016-17 season, inciting backlash from NFL fans and even President Donald Trump.

Trump called on NFL owners to fire players who protest during the national anthem.

Once Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017, he was never signed to another team, sparking rumors that the league blackballed him for his activism.