USC turns back on Reggie Bush, removes Heisman Trophy
USC is doing the right thing by cleaning house of any evidence that reminds the football program it’s on probation. The first obvious move was to give the boot to AD Mike Garrett and his arrogant ways. But in a surprising fashion, USC removed Bush’s replica Heisman trophy from Heritage Hall and is going to return it to the Heisman committee. It still remains to be seen if Bush is required to return his Heisman. At this juncture, USC is entering a new phase in the post-sanction era. It will take some time to clear the image of players getting cars, houses, gifts, and money, but the program is certainly headed in the right direction.
With a new AD, a new coach, one less Heisman, and the key figures removed from the program (Garrett, Carroll, and McNair), USC is slowly garnering the institutional control that was lost in the land of Pete Carroll and crew. A significant amount of pressure now rides on Lane Kiffin, a Carroll prodigy, to uphold the rich tradition and winning ways of the Trojans. As for Bush, what does it matter? He has more important issues at hand such as promoting his new shoes.
