I am cutting the Watching the Heisman list down to five this week due to the season winding down and a generally lack of strong candidates. Unfortunately, this year's race has taken a nasty turn and it seems that it will mostly be decided off of the field. Overwhelming frontrunner Cam Newton has been accused of two separate transgressions that could affect his eligibility and the voters. Last week, the story broke that the Newton family is under investigation for asking for money with regards to Cam's recruitment. And early this morning, it is being reported that Cam left Florida after his freshman year because he was on the verge of being expelled due to three separate cases of cheating.
The first accusation will ultimately have a much bigger impact on whether Cam Newton and Auburn's 2010 seasons are considered "eligible". However, the investigation will not be completed for a long time, possibly several years from now. Both the BCS National Championship Game and the Heisman vote should take place well before the Cam Newton investigation is completed. Therefore, Cam should still be considered the overwhelming frontrunner for both. The Heisman's voting standards state the voters are supposed to vote for "the most outstanding player in the nation." It adds that "in order that there will be no misunderstanding regarding the eligibility of a candidate, the recipient of the award MUST be a bona fide student of an accredited college or university including the United States Academies. The recipients must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student athlete." Cam Newton has almost indisputably been the most outstanding player in the nation and as of right now, he is eligible. Therefore, based on the information we have now, he deserves the Heisman trophy.
As a Cam Newton fan, the second accusation is a lot more disappointing. I am a realist about college football and I recognize that some, if not most, talented players received some sort of kickback/compensation for attending their current school. However, as a current college student, it is upsetting to learn that one of my favorite players has shown a disregard for the academic process. It is a strong reminder that athletes are neither role models nor heroes; they are just people like you and me. However, Cam Newton's transgressions his freshman year at Florida have absolutely nothing to do with this year's Heisman race. They don't affect his eligibility and they don't change the fact the he has been the nation's most outstanding player.
Here is this week's Watching the Heisman:
The first accusation will ultimately have a much bigger impact on whether Cam Newton and Auburn's 2010 seasons are considered "eligible". However, the investigation will not be completed for a long time, possibly several years from now. Both the BCS National Championship Game and the Heisman vote should take place well before the Cam Newton investigation is completed. Therefore, Cam should still be considered the overwhelming frontrunner for both. The Heisman's voting standards state the voters are supposed to vote for "the most outstanding player in the nation." It adds that "in order that there will be no misunderstanding regarding the eligibility of a candidate, the recipient of the award MUST be a bona fide student of an accredited college or university including the United States Academies. The recipients must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student athlete." Cam Newton has almost indisputably been the most outstanding player in the nation and as of right now, he is eligible. Therefore, based on the information we have now, he deserves the Heisman trophy.
As a Cam Newton fan, the second accusation is a lot more disappointing. I am a realist about college football and I recognize that some, if not most, talented players received some sort of kickback/compensation for attending their current school. However, as a current college student, it is upsetting to learn that one of my favorite players has shown a disregard for the academic process. It is a strong reminder that athletes are neither role models nor heroes; they are just people like you and me. However, Cam Newton's transgressions his freshman year at Florida have absolutely nothing to do with this year's Heisman race. They don't affect his eligibility and they don't change the fact the he has been the nation's most outstanding player.
Here is this week's Watching the Heisman:
5. (Last Week: 7) Andy Dalton
4. (Last Week: 3) LaMichael James
3. (Last Week: 4) Andrew Luck
2. (Last Week: 2) Kellen Moore
1. (Last Week: 1) Cameron Newton
2. (Last Week: 2) Kellen Moore
1. (Last Week: 1) Cameron Newton
