*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
Which Teams to Bet On in NCAA Tournament, and Which to Avoid
Sean Green, Co-founder of the Sports Gambling Podcast Network, discusses which teams he's leaning towards and away from, who the breakout stars will be, and explains why UCLA, a No. 4 seed, will leave New Orleans with the title. Sponsored by BetMGM
Barstool Sports CEO Erika Nardini on Preparing for March Madness
Erika Nardini, CEO of Barstool Sports, joined Cheddar News senior reporter, Michelle Castillo at South by Southwest to talk about Barstool Sportsbook and the NCAA March Madness tournaments. "What we really believe is that there's going to be the next generation of sports bettor, [who] will follow sports the way Barstool Sports follow sports," she said. "They'll like winners. They'll like losers. They'll like the storylines. They'll like the drama with the fans.”
Paralympic Snowboarding Medalist Amy Purdy Looks Back on 2022 Winter Games
Amy Purdy, the three-time Paralympic medalist and first double-leg amputee competitive snowboarder, made her debut as a commentator at this year's games, and she joined Cheddar News to recap the event. "I like to challenge myself because I was challenging myself as a Paralympic athlete myself," she said. "But then to be able to be a commentator and be able to, you know, support the game, support the athletes in a completely different way, it was a lot of fun."
WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner Remains in Russian Custody as Charter Flight Scandal Fallout Hits
It's been an eventful past few weeks for the WNBA. One of the league's top players, Brittney Griner, remains in Russian custody after being detained at an airport last month. The league is also dealing with a scandal after fining a team for providing charter flights to their players. Emily Caron, sports business reporter for Sportico, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Load More