*By Carlo Versano* Reggie Bush, the former NFL running back and college superstar who forfeited his Heisman Trophy after he allegedly received payments while at USC, said college athletes should be paid. Bush told Cheddar in an interview last month that college athletes are forced to juggle the full-time job of playing sports with a serious course load ー so "it's only fair" they get compensated. Most of those players "come from nothing," he said. A two-time All-American in college, Bush led the Trojans to the 2004 BCS title and won the Heisman Trophy in 2005. He was drafted second overall in the 2006 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints before reports that he had received improper benefits while attending USC. Years after he won the Heisman, he decided to return the award after a [report concluded](http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=5572827) in 2010 that two California-based marketing agents may have paid his family hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts. The NCAA also stripped USC of its championship. Bush also said he supports guaranteed contracts for NFL players and better safety measures. He said he's hopeful that the NFL's [latest policy changes](https://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/nfl-ops-honoring-the-game/health-safety-rules-changes/) to limit some types of violent hits will be a "good start." But like many players, coaches, and fans, Bush is concerned new safety regulations may dampen some of the game's signature intensity. "I made a living off of returning punts and kicks all throughout my career ー college, NFL. I know that's something that fans are excited about, the kick-off. Hopefully, they can keep that as in tact as possible," he said. "We're modern-day gladiators. It's a brutal sport." For full interview, [click here] (https://cms.cheddar.com/videos/VmlkZW8tMjIxODU=).

Share:
More In Sports
Making Winning Investments During the NBA Playoffs
The 2022 NBA playoffs are intensifying as four teams vie for an NBA finals berth. Tonight, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors can book their finals ticket with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, while Miami will be feeling the 'heat' tomorrow night, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics. And with the growing popularity of sports betting, the NBA playoffs offers a potential money-making opportunity for fans. Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Jim Irsay Brings His Iconic Memorabilia Collection to New York
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is displaying his world-renowned collection of historic memorabilia to the public for the first time in the Big Apple. Irsay joined Cheddar News to talk about why he's bringing artifacts from the Beatles to Jerry Garcia to light now. "I borrow all this stuff, you know, and I just feel kind of an obligation to share it with the public and make it come alive if you will," he said.
Cheddar Bets: Sweet Selections For Second Weekend of NCAA Tournament
Olivia Harlan Dekker, Alex Glaze and ESPN College Gameday analyst LaPhonso Ellis deliver their top plays for the Round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament, with Glaze also discusses what Kyrie Irving's eligibility for home games means for the Nets title chances. Sponsored by BetMGM
Cheddar Bets: Everything You Need to Know for March Madness
Olivia Harlan Dekker, Alex Glaze, and Sean Green provide viewers with all the intel they need to place winning bets and dominate their brackets during the NCAA Tournament, ranging from breakout performers, most likely upsets, and who will win it all. Sponsored by BetMGM
Problem Gambling Concerns With Sports Betting On The Rise
Sports Betting in the U.S. is booming. According to industry experts, we could see another boom this year as more states move towards statewide legalization of sports wagering. While this comes as huge news for fans, there are some very real concerns as to whether or not sports betting potentially poses a threat to public health. Senior Clinician at the Caron Treatment Centers, Eric Webber, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
Load More