on december 1, the ncaa announced that auburn had declared cam newton to be ineligible. auburn found evidence that cecil newton did in fact solicit mississippi state for money in exchange for cam newton's athletic service. auburn immediately asked the ncaa to reinstate newton. the ncaa quickly reinstated newton, declaring him eligible for the 2010 sec championship game three days later. the ncaa said that there was not sufficient evidence that cam newton or anyone from auburn had any knowledge of cecil newton's actions. auburn subsequently limited the access cecil newton had to the football program as result of ncaa findings. also due to increased pressure by the media and the ncaa investigation, cecil newton announced he would not attend the heisman trophy ceremony. the ncaa reinstatement did not clear cecil newton of any wrongdoing. the ncaa action did make cam newton eligible to win the heisman trophy. he won the award with 2,263 points and 729 first-place votes.