Bush's Heisman in San Diego museum
The mystery surrounding the whereabouts of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy was solved Thursday after an executive at the San Diego Hall of Champions confirmed the museum was still in possession of the coveted bronze statue.
Museum vice president Angela LaChica told The Times-Picayune arrangements are being made to return the trophy to the Bush family.
The former USC star announced last September he would forfeit his 2005 Heisman amid allegations he received improper benefits while in college.
But the location of the trophy became an issue earlier this week after an unnamed source from the Heisman Trust told the Dan Patrick Show the statue had not been returned as promised.
Adding to the mystery was an unnamed source from the San Diego Hall of Champions — the last known location of the trophy — telling Patrick's show that Bush's father had taken the statue from the museum shortly after Bush made his announcement.
The Heisman Trust source said multiple attempts have been made to arrange for the award's return, including the Trust's pledge to cover the shipping and handling fees for the 25-pound (11.3 kg) bronze statue.
The New Orleans Saints running back was the focal point of the NCAA's investigation into USC's football program, which led to a two-year postseason ban, the loss of 30 scholarships and Monday's decision by the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to strip the Trojans of their 2004 national title.
Bush has never admitted to any wrongdoing.