Game on

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Monday, the NCAA declared Cam Newton ineligible to play for Auburn University, under bylaw 12:3.3; citing allegations that Newtons father and a sports management agents negotiation of a pay-for-play contract. 

This morning, following an appeal for review by Auburn Tiger’s Athletic Director, Jay Jacobs.  The NCAA determined that Cameron Newton, “had no involvement in the activities of either his father or the agent, and was unaware of the negotiations that were underway.”

Newton’s father has been, “limited in the scope of his access to the Auburn athletics program” and Mississippi State has limited the involvement of the unnamed agent.

“Our members have established rules for fair and equal recruitment of student-athletes, as well as to promote integrity in the recruiting process in determining how a violation impacts a student-athlete eligibility, we must determine a young person’s responsibility.  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.  From a student-athlete reinstatement perspective, Auburn University has met its obligation under NCAA bylaw 14:11.1.  Under this threshold, the student-athlete has not participated while ineligible.”  Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for academic and membership affairs stated.

During the reinstatement process, NCAA staff review each case on its own merits based on the specific facts.

What this means sports fans, is; Auburn has its starting quarterback, Cam Newton back at the helm and, that Newton is still the lead man in the search for the coveted Heisman Trophy.

Auburn is scheduled to play the University of South Carolina Gamecocks for the SEC Championship on Saturday December 4th in Atlanta, Georgia.