Since the NCAA ruling in 2010 forcing the USC Trojans to completely disassociate their program with Reggie Bush and his family, Bush has not set foot inside the Coliseum. That is all about to change on Friday night as Bush makes his return to the Coliseum to work the Trojans’ game against the #10 Utah Utes.
That NCAA ruling in 2010 alleged the Bush received cash and improper benefits from sports marketers while playing running back for USC. The NCAA retaliated by barring the Trojans from bowl games, docking them ten scholarships a year for three seasons, making them vacate their 2004 National Championship, and urging Bush to return his 2005 Heisman trophy, which he did voluntarily. In 2010, Bush temporarily parted ways with the USC Trojans.
However, after USC spokesman Tim Tessalone, “checked with the NCAA and was told that if Reggie is in a working capacity, it is OK for him to be at the Coliseum for a USC game,” the stage was set for Bush’s return to the Coliseum.
In his Junior season in 2005, Bush rushed for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also catching two touchdown passes. He is joined on the crew by former USC star quarterback Matt Leinart and former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer. That Fox Sports broadcast crew will conduct an hour-long pregame show as well as halftime and postgame coverage from the field.
When previously asked about the prospect of returning to USC to work, Bush said, “I assume it would be amazing. Not to pat myself on the back, but a lot of the kids still commit there based off what we did when we were there in college. I still talk to a lot of guys there. I still have relationships with a lot of people there.”
He rounded out his speech, offering a sentiment that could serve as motivation for a USC squad looking to take down a top ten team: “I think it speaks volumes to if you work hard enough, you’ll be able to achieve it.”
The Trojans come into the matchup eager to avenge a 30-27 overtime loss to BYU. Meanwhile, the Utes come in after blanking Idaho State 31-0 and beating BYU earlier in the year by 18.
Bush’s return to USC is sure to bring with it an electric environment in the Coliseum, as this matchup has Pac-12 implications as well; it’s going to be a good one in Southern California.
