Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was overwhelmingly voted as this season’s Heisman Trophy winner, a recognition he deserved for being college football’s best player.
But of the 886 ballots that were cast, 105 voters chose to leave Newton off. It seems the other 781 Heisman voters had the ability to cast aside their personal feelings and reward the player who was clearly the best.
Newton’s acceptance speech wasn’t a lesson in eloquence, but it didn’t have to be. Besides, he more than made up for his nervousness by humbly offering thanks to those that helped him win the Heisman.
The Auburn QB won in a landslide, collecting 729 first place votes and more than doubled the number of points received by second place finisher Andrew Luck.
Newton led the SEC with 1,409 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns and was the nation’s top-rated passer with 2,589 yards passing and 28 TD’s.
The Tigers finished the season undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the BCS, largely due to Newton’s efforts. Auburn will face Oregon in the Tostitos BCS national championship on January 10, 2011 in Glendale.
The voters who did the right thing by selecting Newton as this season’s Heisman Trophy winner deserve credit for their objectivity.
It’s a sad commentary in reference to the “professional media” when a young man exhibits more class during his acceptance speech at the Downtown Athletic Club than those whose agendas kept them from placing Newton on their ballot.
