Cam Newton, despite dad's dealings, cleared by NCAA to play in SEC championship game Saturday

Cam Newton has been declared eligible to play in the SEC title game this weekend in Atlanta. The NCAA ruled on Newton's status after declaring his father did shop the junior college quarterback to another school.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced Wednesday that Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is eligible to play this Saturday in the SEC championship game. The NCAA also ruled that Cecil Newton, Cam's father, did shop him to another school.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday the college rule-making body determined Monday that a violation of Newton's amateur status had occurred. Auburn University declared Newton ineligible on Tuesday and asked the NCAA to reinstate the student-athlete's eligibility.

Newton, considered to be this year's Heisman Trophy front-runner, is now cleared to play against South Carolina in the SEC Championship game. If Auburn beats the Gamecocks, they should receive an invitation to play in the BCS National Championship game next month in Glendale, Arizona.

In the meantime, Auburn has limited Cecil Newton's access to the Tigers athletics program and the NCAA's investigation into the matter will continue.