NCAA declares Cam Newton eligible

The NCAA has ruled that Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy front-runner Cam Newton is eligible to compete immediately (Here is the complete release from the NCAA).

According to the release, the NCAA concluded on Monday that a "violation or amateurism rules occurred." On Tuesday, Auburn had to declare Newton ineligible due to the rules violation and then ask for his reinstatement. The NCAA reinstated Newton "without any conditions" on Wednesday.

Auburn and the NCAA agreed that Newton's father, Cecil Newton, and "an owner of a scouting service," identified in media reports as former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers, "worked together to actively market the student-athlete as part of a pay-for-play scenario in return for Newton's commitment to attend college and play football."

The NCAA's ruling says that Auburn has limited Cecil Newton's access to the athletic program and Mississippi State had disassociated itself with Rogers.

Both Cecil Newton and Rogers have denied asking Mississippi State -- or any school -- for money to secure Cam Newton's commitment. Cam Newton attended Florida before enrolling in a junior college. Cam Newton chose Auburn over Mississippi State after he completed his stint at junior college.

Auburn (12-0), ranked No. 1 in the latest BCS standings, plays South Carolina on Saturday in Atlanta for the SEC title. If Auburn wins that game, the Tigers will play for the BCS national title on Jan. 10 in Glendale, Ariz.

Cam Newton is considered the heavy favorite to win this year's Heisman Trophy. He has thrown for 2,254 yards and 26 touchdowns (with just 6 interceptions) and has rushed for 1,336 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Essentially, the NCAA's ruling says that Cecil Newton acted improperly but that Cam Newton knew nothing about the pay-for-play scheme.

And if you read the NCAA's release carefully, it appears that the full investigation is not over. Just based on the information now, there's no reason to not allow Cam Newton to play. Here's the interesting line from the NCAA's release: The reinstatement process is likely to conclude prior to the close of an investigation ....