Pre-Snap Read

The 2010 Heisman

The Heisman’s Mission Statement

By Paul Myerberg   //   Nov 13, 2010

A quick thing to chew over while preparing for Auburn’s afternoon start against Georgia. Cam Newton is dressed and ready to go, though there remains a slight chance that he won’t play — a very slim chance, though we won’t know until he takes the field with the starting offense. Newton’s Heisman candidacy has taken a back seat to his future, as well as Auburn’s, but it bears taking a look at the Heisman Trophy’s mission statement, as outlined by the Heisman Trust:

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award. The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletics and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for the Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or afflicted. All assets of the Trust beyond the expense of maintaining the annual presentation of the Heisman Memorial Trophy are reserved for such charitable causes. The Trustees, who all serve pro bono, are guided by a devotion to college football and are committed to community service and the valued tradition which the Trophy represents.

That first sentence bears repeating: “The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.”

I’m not questioning Newton’s integrity; that’s way out of bounds, particularly for someone who has yet to have the opportunity to have a conversation with Newton, let alone speak with anyone associated with the Auburn quarterback.

I am questioning the integrity of the entire situation: if Newton — or anyone involved in his recruitment — put forth a pay-for-play scenario, it should — would — violate the central tenet of the Heisman mission statement. For the Heisman Trust, integrity goes hand-in-hand with excellence.

You can’t have one without the other, it seems, and each should be valued evenly. There’s no questioning Newton’s excellence; he’s the best player in college football, the player most vital to his team’s success in college football. When considering the circumstances surrounding Newton’s eligibility at Auburn, however, I’m not sure if integrity is on an even level with Newton’s excellence.

Just something to think about. We’ll see shortly if Newton takes the field for Auburn against Georgia.

Update Newton will play today. Auburn reached its decision after meeting with the N.C.A.A. on Thursday; it’s also been said that the Newton family met with the N.C.A.A. on the same day.

Tags: Auburn, Cam Newton, N.C.A.A. violations, The Heisman Trophy

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