Reggie Bush Out at USC, Pat Haden In

Max Nikias, the incoming president of USC, has taken some very strong first steps.  In a message to the entire Trojan family, Nikias has officially disassociated the university from former Heisman Trophy winner, Reggie Bush.

Nikias wrote: “The Trojan Family honors and respects the USC sporting careers of those persons whose actions did not compromise their athletic program or the opportunities of future USC student-athletes. Accordingly, I have instructed the senior vice president for administration to remove athletic jerseys and murals displayed in recognition of O.J. Mayo and Reggie Bush by mid-August—before the incoming class of students moves on campus—from Heritage Hall, the Galen Center, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The university will also return Mr. Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust in August.”

With those words, Nikias has made it known to all alumni, fans, and student-athletes that integrity is important.  In fact, Nikias’ actions have placed integrity above any one person be he or she an NCAA champion or Heisman Trophy winner.

Although the reactions to the announcement have been favorable for the most part, they are not by any means unanimous.

Some fans believe that the university should keep Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy.  They point to the fact that Charles Woodson had taken money but kept his trophy.

All I can say is that this is USC and Nikias is attempting to establish an above-board administration in the hopes that his view will filter down through the ranks.

Reggie Bush wasn’t the only Heisman Trophy winner that Nikias dumped today. 

After 17 years as the university’s athletic director, USC’s very first Heisman Trophy winner, Mike Garrett, will be replaced as of August 3rd.

Nikias has named former USC quarterback and Rhodes scholar, Pat Haden, to succeed Garrett.  Haden led USC to three Rose Bowls back in the '70s and has more recently served on the USC Board of Trustees.

Haden did not actively seek the position.  “This is not something I thought about doing, nor something even on my radar, but I began to see it as a challenge, as something new. And when my wife agreed—and she really doesn't follow sports closely—I took a closer look.”

The player who was on the receiving end of numerous Pat Haden passes throughout high school, college and a year in the old WFL, J. K. McKay, will once again team with Haden at USC.

The son of another USC legend, Coach John McKay, J. K. McKay is the new Associate Athletic Director in charge of the football program.  Head coach Lane Kiffin will answer directly to McKay.

Although some may argue that replacing Garrett with Haden, completely disassociating Reggie Bush from the university, and returning his Heisman Trophy is an attempt to influence the NCAA Committee on Appeals, I personally feel that it shouldn’t matter.

Even if the NCAA doesn’t budge on USC’s appeal, replacing Garrett is something that needed to be done.  Except for hiring Pete Carroll, most of his selections were not that successful. 

But Carroll had become so successful that Garrett was afraid to step up and take the necessary and immediate action when the Reggie Bush accusations first came to light.  For fear that Carroll would bolt to the NFL and that Garrett would be criticized, he chose to ignore and possibly even cover up the truth.

By returning Bush’s Heisman Trophy, Nikias is implying that it was Bush, himself, and not the NCAA that has put the Trojan football program in such a dire position. 

The NCAA has been reacting to both Bush’s and Garrett’s arrogance of choosing not to cooperate with its investigation.  Even to this day, Bush and his family have refused to openly discuss the situation.

What do you think?  Should USC have kept Bush’s trophy?

What do you think of Nikias’ moves?