(CNN) -- New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush announced Tuesday that he would forfeit the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005 when he was at the University of Southern California. "I will forever appreciate the honor bestowed upon me as a winner of the Heisman," Bush wrote in a statement released by his pro team, the New Orleans Saints. "While this decision is heart-breaking, I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away." Bush, who skipped his senior season at USC to enter the National Football League draft, has been under a cloud since an NCAA investigation led to harsh sanctions against his alma mater.
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NCAA investigation: Reggie Bush received payments, gifts while playing at USC
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Investigation led to harsh sanctions against University of Southern California
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Star says he wants to help young athletes "avoid some of the mistakes I made"
The @placeholder ruled that Bush lost his eligibility to play college football in December 2004.