There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks, especially upon Cam Newton being officially named as one of the Heisman finalists, regarding whether the Auburn quarterback’s father would be present for the ceremony that will most certainly end with his son receiving the stiff-armed hardware.
Or, more specifically, whether Cecil Newton should be present given what the NCAA determined to be his role role in a pay-for-play scheme involving his son.
Thursday night, two days ahead of the awarding of one of the most prestigious individual honors in all of sports, Cecil Newton has put the speculation to rest. In a statement released tonight through his attorney, Newton’s father confirmed he won’t be in New York City to see his son being handed the Heisman.
“The events to take place in New York at the Heisman Trophy ceremony this weekend will serve as a crowning moment for the athletes and their families alike.
“For all of my fifty years of life, coupled with 25 years of marriage, I have made an exhausting attempt to be a good husband, father, and generally a good person of integrity. The past 60 days have caused all that my family worked to accomplish to come into question.
“So that my son Cam Newton can receive all the honors and congratulations that he has worked so hard to accomplish and without distraction, I have decided not to be in attendance at the Heisman ceremony, as it will perhaps rob Cam and the event of a sacred moment.”
Regardless of what Cecil Newton did prior to his son signing with Auburn, and as gut-wrenching as it may be for him right now, he did the right thing by skipping out and allowing the spotlight to shine solely on Cam Newton. His presence would’ve been a distraction, if not a circus, and we applaud him for putting his son first regardless of what may have transpired in the past.