A Fingertip Catch : George’s Heisman Trophy Damaged in Airport’s X-Ray Machine

Eddie George returned home Monday with the Heisman Trophy--or at least most of it.

The Ohio State tailback was presented with college football’s most coveted trophy on Saturday in New York. But during the return trip, the Heisman got stuck in an airport X-ray machine and lost the tip of its right index finger.

The damage, which also included a bent middle finger, was hardly noticeable, and George didn’t care too much.

“I’m kind of mad about it,” he said with a grin, “but it doesn’t matter as long as I’ve got it.”

University spokesman Steve Snapp said officials at New York’s La Guardia Airport vowed to pay for repairs to the 35-pound bronze trophy. The damaged digits are on the hand extended in a straight-arm pose.

“They insisted on putting it through security and it just got stuck,” Snapp said.

George’s return to Ohio State ended a whirlwind week that saw him pick up two player of the year awards and another for the nation’s top running back.

“It’s hard to believe,” George said as he cradled the Heisman. “I’m starting to believe it now holding this thing.”

George led the nation with 24 touchdowns and rushed for a school-record 1,826 yards.