Is Cam Newton the most outstanding football player in the NCAA? I think so. Has he done so with integrity, exactly like the first sentence of the Heisman Mission states? Absolutely not.
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.
I commend Seth Emerson of the Bulldogs Blog for abstaining and not voting this year. If someone can vote on Cameron Newton after reading the first sentence of that quote, they are doing nothing more than ignoring the request of the people who give the award. Enough said!
