ACC commissioner surprised by Newton ruling

Published Dec. 3, 2010 6:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

ACC Commissioner John Swofford calls the NCAA's decision to keep Auburn quarterback Cam Newton eligible ''surprising'' and claims it puts college athletics on a ''slippery slope.''

Swofford said Friday he'll express his concerns with NCAA officials and hopes the governing body takes a hard look at the issue.

The NCAA ruled Wednesday that Newton was unaware his father had concocted a pay-for-play scheme during his recruiting and allowed Newton to play for No. 2 Auburn against South Carolina on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

Swofford is concerned about the precedent that could set in future eligibility cases and expects the NCAA to take up the issue soon.