Cecil Newton won't attend Heisman ceremony

Cam Newton's father, Cecil Newton, will not attend Saturday night's Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City.

Cam Newton, Auburn's star dual-threat quarterback, is the overwhelming favorite to win college football's top award.

Cecil Newton released a statement through his lawyer, George Lawson, on Thursday afternoon. in the statement, Cecil Newton said he didn't want to be a distraction on what is expected to be one of the biggest nights of Cam Newton's career.

Auburn and the NCAA have agreed that Cecil Newton came up with a pay-for-play scenario in return for Cam Newton's commitment to attend college and play football. Auburn has limited Cecil Newton's access to its football program.

The NCAA released its initial findings into the Cam Newton recruitment case in a release on Dec. 1.