NCAA Speaks, Cam Newton Still Eligible

Tuesday Auburn declared quarterback Cam Newton ineligible for violating the NCAA amateurism rules. Wednesday after an investigation the NCAA declared Newton immediately eligible to compete.

"Based on the information available to the reinstatement staff at this time, we do not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity, which led to his reinstatement." Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for academic and membership affairs said in a statement released by the NCAA. "From a student-athlete reinstatement perspective, Auburn University met its obligation under NCAA bylaw 14.11.1. Under this threshold, the student-athlete has not participated while ineligible.”

Auburn has limited the access Newton's father, Cecil Newton, has to the Tiger athletic program and Mississippi State has disassociated itself with former player Kenny Rogers, who along with Newton's father tried to actively market Cam Newton to Mississippi State.

“The conduct of Cam Newton’s father and the involved individual is unacceptable and has no place in the SEC or in intercollegiate athletics,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement. “The actions taken by Auburn University and Mississippi State University make it clear this behavior will not be tolerated in the SEC.”

With Cam Newton cleared Auburn's tremendous season will not be vacated and Newton can play in the SEC Championship Game and not fear the heavy hand of the NCAA.

Can anyone say "Hello Heisman!"
((HT: AuburnAthletics))


Photo Courtesy - Hal Yaeger/Birmingham News