Reggie Bush lost his Heisman Trophy due to NCAA violations that occurred during his college football career at the University of Southern California (USC). The NCAA found that Bush had received improper benefits while still an amateur athlete, violating NCAA rules regarding amateurism and eligibility.

The controversy centered around Reggie Bush and his family receiving cash, gifts, and housing from sports marketers while he was still playing for USC. These benefits included free rent on a home owned by a sports marketing agent, which constituted a serious breach of NCAA rules that prohibit student-athletes from accepting gifts or extra benefits from agents or their representatives.

As a result of the NCAA’s investigation, in 2010, Bush voluntarily forfeited his 2005 Heisman Trophy. The Heisman Trust subsequently vacated the award, making him the first recipient in the award’s history to have his Heisman recognition stripped away. USC also faced severe penalties, including loss of scholarships and a postseason ban.