.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Former USC running back Reggie Bush, who announced last September he would forfeit his 2005 Heisman Trophy amid allegations he received improper benefits while in college, is still in possession of the coveted bronze statue, the Dan Patrick Show reported Tuesday.
Bush said he'd give up the trophy — awarded annually to college football's top player — shortly after the Heisman Trust met to discuss Bush's status following the NCAA's investigation into major violations within USC's football program.
According to the report, two identical trophies were awarded in 2005, with one going to Bush while the other was awarded to USC.
The university reportedly returned its trophy shortly after Bush made his forfeiture announcement, but the New Orleans Saints running back has made no attempt to hand over his Heisman, according to a source at the Heisman Trust.
An unnamed person in management at the San Diego Hall of Champions, where Bush's trophy was displayed prior to his announcement, told the Dan Patrick Show, "Reggie Bush's dad came in right after [the announcement] and took it. That's the last we saw of it."
The Heisman Trust source told the Dan Patrick Show that although no specific agreement was made with Bush for the return of the trophy, it was "alluded to in Reggie's statement and the whole world reasonably expected him to return it."
The source also said the Trust has made more than one attempt to arrange the award's return, adding the Trust has even offered to cover the shipping and handling fees for the 25-pound (11.3 kg) bronze statue.
A call from the Dan Patrick Show to Bush's agent has not been returned.
The superstar running back was the focal point of the NCAA's investigation into USC, which led to a two-year postseason ban, the loss of 30 scholarships and Monday's decision by the Bowl Championship Series to strip the Trojans of their 2004 national title.
