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The NCAA released its findings on December 3, 2010 regarding Cam Newton’s eligibility for the championship game on December 4, 2010.

Cam Newton was declared ineligible to play by Auburn University after allegations that Cam Newton, his father and another recruiting agent were involved in a pay-to-play scheme between Auburn University and Mississippi State. It was alleged that an unidentified man called up Mississippi State and offered Cam Newton’s signature on a letter of intent for the school in exchange for a six-figure sum. The minute that Auburn University caught wind of the allegations it suspended Cam Newton from play and turned over the investigation to the NCAA.

The NCAA released in a report that while the issue regarding Cam Newton did violate NCAA status it was not Cam Newton but his father and a unnamed recruiter who violated the rules and therefore Cam Newton was able to be reinstated as quarterback for the Auburn Tigers.

As is standard, Auburn University will not comment on whether or not they played an active role in this pay-to-play scheme or not, and as with all scandals regarding colleges the world may never know the truth behind what really happened. However, this roundabout way of reinstating a number one player for a top school has brought up many questions regarding the loophole that seems to be present in the NCAA rules. It appears that as long as the player doesn’t physically do the rule breaking, the NCAA will look the other way.