Statistics such as 433 carries for 3,169 rushing yards, 7.3 average yards per carry, 25 touchdowns and 95 receptions for 1,301 yards were enough to win Reggie Bush the Heisman trophy his last year at the University of Southern California (USC). They should also be enough to let him keep it.

The Heisman trophy is awarded each year after a committee selects the most outstanding player in collegiate football that season. In 2005, Reggie Bush was that player.

Since then, USC has come under investigations of providing “special treatment” to some of its star players. Because of these investigations, the Trojans have been highly penalized. These penalties include: having to forfeit two wins from 2004, including a victory in the Orange Bowl, forfeiting all wins in 2005, being banned from 2010-11 bowl games and the loss of 30 scholarships for the next three years.

The NCAA states that Bush was in violation of taking bribes from the university, which contributed to the penalties given. Bush’s family is said to have received over $290,000 worth of gifts from the school. Since, the school has agreed to dissociate itself completely from Bush, removing jerseys and murals from all facilities and even returning his copy of the Heisman trophy.

But, haven’t we learned that athletes are supposed to be forgiven for their mistakes, not have their named tarnished, and their legacy ruined.

In a time where players only receive suspensions for alleged rape, dog fighting, weapon possession and even drinking “purple drank,” Bush’s law problems seem a little less serious.

I am not saying that Bush did or did not take the gifts from USC, but I am saying that the numbers speak for themselves. Those statistics come from hours of practice, watching film and overall hard work, not because some agent decides to take advantage of a common flaw among people: generous gifts that are hard to turn down.

Despite the investigation, Bush has achieved success in the NFL, including a Super Bowl ring last year with the New Orleans Saints. Such a talented player should not have to worry about having the title of “cheating athlete” like many other players in professional sports.

If the NCAA wants to penalize USC, fine, but don’t let Reggie Bush be the first person to ever have to return his Heisman trophy.