The Heisman Way

 "The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity."

Tonight at 8:00 PM eastern time we will see if Heisman voters feel that Cam Newton exemplifies the first line of their mission statement. Will the fact that his father asked for money keep him from joining the Heisman Fraternity? Or all the problems he had at Florida come back and haunt him?

Unlikely.

Since this is likely the case, does anything matter except the gridiron?

Apparently not.

While there are four players invited to New York tonight for the Heisman ceremony, I'd be shocked if more than two of them received first place votes.

Andrew Luck, the Standford Cardinal QB who is currently slotted to be the #1 pick in next years NFL Draft. Luck lead the Cardinal to an 11-1 record, #4 ranking and a bid the Orange Bowl where they will play Virginia Tech. He threw for 3,051 yards, 28 touchdowns and 7 interceptions with a 166.10 QB rating.

LaMichael James, the Oregon Duck who will be playing in the National Title game against Auburn ran for 1,682 yards and 21 touchdowns with a 6.0 yards per carry average. The Ducks are currently ranked #2

Kellen Moore, the Boise State Bronco who led his team to a 11-1 season and a #10 ranking. A late season loss to Nevada killed the Bronco's BCS Bid and likely any real shot that Moore might have had at the Heisman. Moore passed for 3,506, his 3rd straight year over 3,500 and 4th straight 3,000+ season. Moore also contributed 33 touchdowns and is three away from 100 for his career.

Finally, Cameron Newton, the Auburn Tiger who is likely going to run away with the voting. Cam has taken the Tigers to a #1 ranking and a bid to play the Oregon Ducks for the National Title. He passed for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns.

The stats clearly lean towards Newton. He has been the most electrifying player in the nation, without a doubt. But that isn't all that is in the Heisman's Mission Statement. The question isn't if Newton has been the best football player, has he done it with integrity?

My answer is simply no. Unfortunately I do not have a Heisman vote, but if I did it would not be cast for Cam Newton.