NCAA clears Auburn of major violations

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Auburn University will keep its 2010 national title after the NCAA said Wednesday it didn't find any major rules infractions in a probe of its football program.

The ruling came after a lengthy investigation in which Auburn acknowledged last year that former quarterback Cam Newton's father, Cecil, had offered his son's services to Mississippi State for $180,000.

The NCAA, however, declared Cam Newton eligible to play the rest of the season, saying there was no convincing evidence Newton or Auburn ever knew of the elder Newton's actions.

Newton went on to lead Auburn to the national title and win the Heisman Trophy. He is now the quarterback of the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

Wednesday's decision means Newton will retain his Heisman and Auburn won't face the loss of its title.

"We appreciate the NCAA and thank them for their professionalism and thoroughness during this exhaustive investigation," Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "We are pleased to put this matter behind us."