Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is eligible after an NCAA investigation found that he was not aware of the actions of his father and the owner of a scouting service, who actively sought a pay-for-play scenario for Cam Newton. As part of the ruling, Auburn has limited Cecil Newton's access to its athletics department and Mississippi State has cut ties with Kenny Rodgers, a former Bulldogs player. And Mike Slive, SEC Commissioner wrote, "The conduct of Cam Newton's father and the involved individual is unacceptable and has no place in the SEC or in intercollegiate athletics. The actions taken by Auburn University and Mississippi State University make it clear this behavior will not be tolerated in the SEC."
Auburn had ruled Cam Newton ineligible Tuesday after the NCAA concluded a violation of its amateurism rules occurred. On Wednesday, the NCAA granted Auburn's request for Newton to be reinstated without any conditions. In a statement, Auburn director of athletics Jay Jacobs said, "We are pleased that the NCAA has agreed with our position that Cam Newton has been and continues to be eligible to play football at Auburn University."
Auburn, which said it would have no further comment, plays South Carolina in the SEC Championship game Saturday.