NCAA Ruling Closes Cam Newton Loophole

The NCAA has broadened the way that it defines agents so it includes parents, according to a report from the Associated Press. 

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The Division I Amateurism Cabinet sponsored legislation that would include family members and other third parties who shop an athlete's services to schools for financial gain. The Division I Legislative Council passed the proposal Wednesday.

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The case came about last year, when the controversy surrounding Cam Newton and his father Cecil and the whole pay-for-play scandal came about and Newton was allowed to keep playing for Auburn during their run to the BCS Championship. 

What Does It Mean?

This will put an end to any future pay-for-play schemes that players might get involved in.

No longer will parents be able to shop their children to schools. It is strange that this wasn't a rule before, but I give up trying to figure out the way that the NCAA operates. 

In an odd way, the NCAA basically just said that Newton should not have been allowed to play out last season. At least that is my take away from this ruling. 

What Happens Next?

Parents will have to find new ways to pimp out their children to schools that are recruiting them if they want to make money. 

As far as Cam and Cecil Newton, nothing happens to them because the rule wasn't in place when their situation went down. 

Any future pay-for-play schemes, or anything where the parents are trying to market their children, will be punished by the NCAA. The severity of the punishment will depend on how the NCAA feels.

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