NCAA says Newton is eligible to play

The NCAA has determined that the father of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton broke rules by shopping his son to Mississippi State, but that the overwhelming Heisman Trophy favorite apparently didn't know about it.

The college sports governing body said Wednesday that Newton is eligible to play for the second-ranked Tigers in the Southeastern Conference championship game against South Carolina on Saturday.

The NCAA had concluded on Monday that a violation of Newton's amateur status had occurred. A day later, Auburn declared Newton ineligible and requested his eligibility be reinstated.

The Heisman front-runner now has been cleared to compete without conditions with his team a win away from playing for a BCS title.

The NCAA won't say its case is closed on Newton. However, its statement notes that reinstatement likely occurs "prior to the close of an investigation."

The NCAA became involved over the summer in the pay-for-play scheme that was discussed during Newton's recruitment. Two Mississippi State boosters have accused Cecil Newton and former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers of trying to get up to $180,000 for Cam Newton to play for the Bulldogs while he was being recruited out of junior college last year.

Kutztown players honored. Defensive lineman Kevin Bolinsky, quarterback Kevin Morton, offensive lineman Aaron McGlynn, and wide receiver Erik Frazier Jr. were named to the Super Region I second team.

All four players played key roles in helping Kutztown win a record-setting 10 games in 2010, along with earning its first trip to the NCAA playoffs in its 95-year history.

Leach still job-hunting. Mike Leach would love to be back on the sidelines next season. He says he just hasn't heard from anyone interested in hiring him yet.

The former Texas Tech coach is getting some lobbying help for the open job at Miami, though.

Donald Trump sent a letter to university president Donna Shalala, suggesting the Hurricanes hire Leach to replace the departed Randy Shannon. Leach and Trump have been friends for several years.

Texas Tech fired Leach on Dec. 30, 2009, two days after suspending him amid allegations he mistreated Adam James, a receiver with a concussion. James, the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James, has said Leach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.

Walter Camp finalists. Auburn's Cam Newton is a finalist for the Walter Camp player of the year award.

He's joined by Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Oregon running back LaMichael James.