Johnny Manziel announces Heisman boycott in solidarity with Reggie Bush

"Doesn't sit right with my morals and values that he can't be on that stage with us every year," wrote Manziel. 

He called out the NCAA specifically, telling it to "do the right thing."

Bush played at USC from 2003-05. During his Heisman-winning season, Bush had 200 carries for 1,740 yards (8.7 yards per carry) and 19 total touchdowns.

In June 2010, the Trojans were hit with a two-year bowl band and four years of probation after an NCAA investigation discovered Bush and former USC basketball player O.J. Mayo received impermissible benefits while with the university. 

Three months later, Bush forfeited the Heisman.

In July 2021, the Heisman Trust announced it would welcome Bush back if the NCAA reinstated his college statistics. Later that same month, the NCAA bullishly said it wouldn't consider the request.

After multiple recent losses in the courtroom diminished its power, it's long past time the NCAA backtracks on its initial stance.

On Friday, NCAA president Charlie Baker wrote in a letter to member schools that the NCAA's enforcement staff was told "to pause and not begin investigations involving third-party participation in NIL-related activities."  

If the NCAA doesn't willingly reinstate Bush's Heisman-winning season, it could be a matter of time before it's forced to.

Bush filed his own lawsuit against the organization in August 2023 to reclaim his Heisman, which the NCAA filed a motion to dismiss in November.

Manziel initially shared his support for Bush days before his lawsuit was filed.

"There is nothing I want to see more than for Reggie to get his Heisman back," wrote Manziel. "He is one of the best college football players in history and deserves to be on that stage with us every year."