Cam Newton Suspended Reports: Can the Allegations Actually Help Him Win the Heisman?

Last week there were allegations that Cam Newton had forgone Mississippi State because it wasn't willing to pay. This week more allegations came out regarding his academic eligibility. FoxSports reported that there were not one, not two, but three instances of academic cheating. All of these allegations are being denied by Newton, his father and Auburn University. Incredibly, the real victim of all of this may be...LaMichael James?

How can I suggest that? Well, throughout the course of the conversation about Newton's eligibility there has been a groundswell of support for the Auburn QB. It seems the predominant theme is, "innocent until proven guilty." If you don't believe me look here, here, here or here. Additionally four of four hosts on ESPN's Around the Horn stated the same sentiment, and both Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser agreed on Pardon the Interruption.

A strange dynamic is taking place. What started as a conversation about whether Newton should be eligible for voting became about whether he should lose it before he's even won it, whether he deserves to be punished for "Reggie Bush's sins."

There's even been a sentimental movement towards Newton, questioning the source and motives of the allegations. There is a growing trend of people saying that Heisman voters shouldn't withhold their votes for Cam based on what are, at this point, nothing more than allegations. On that sentiment I agree. 

However, it appears to me that in our society where binary logic seems to be the only logic, where we constantly reduce things down to only two choices, that if anyone doesn't vote for Newton they will be regarded as having not voted for him based on those allegations. It's almost at the point that if you vote LaMichael James for the Heisman, then it's a vote against Cam Newton, not a vote for LaMichael James. 

Furthermore, there are a number of voters who are still miffed about Bush having to give his award back. (Technically he did it voluntarily, but that was to preempt the inevitable take-back.) There is a distinct possibility that said voters may actually be voting for Newton to spite the NCAA Rules Committee and the rules themselves as the Bush controversy has left many thinking it's time to change those rules. 

Now a new question arises, will the controversy end up costing James votes? Will there be some who vote for Newton without even considering the question of who is the best player in college football? Is LaMichael James the potential real victim of these allegations? I hope the voters don't cast their votes in either direction based on allegations, otherwise they're just switching victims.