How many times growing up did your parents say these infamous words, “When will you learn?” These words often followed a boneheaded mistake or choice that led to one getting into trouble.

The reason why I ask that is because someone needs to say that to the NCAA infractions committee. Because it is painfully obvious they have learned nothing from past mistakes.

On December 1, 2010 Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was allowed by the NCAA to play in the upcoming SEC Championship game, a game which if Auburn wins would clinch a berth in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game. This is despite allegations that Newton was involved in a “pay for play” scheme where he would be paid if he were to go to a certain college and play football for that college. This payment would be on top of the full ride scholarship Newton would receive as well to play for Auburn rival Mississippi State.

This, by NCAA rules and regulations is illegal and voids a student athletes amateur status and thus would make Newton ineligible.

The NCAA stated they found no evidence to show that Newton was paid any amount to play at Auburn and the whole scheme was spearheaded by his father Cecil, while his son was being recruited after a stint at the junior college level.

Newton is also a finalist for many prestigious awards for his play. This includes the Heisman Trophy, which is the most prestigious of these awards. This is also my problem with the ruling the NCAA made.

Because it just proves they have learned nothing from past mistakes.

Reggie Bush was turning the college football world upside down in 2005. While playing for USC, his electrifying runs and hard-nosed running style powered USC to a national championship bearth. It also led to him winning the Heisman Trophy. Recently it was found Bush had received improper benefits while playing for USC thus making him ineligible. Bush, forfeited his Heisman Trophy (voiding the winner for the first time in the awards storied history) and USC was forced to vacate all wins during Bush’s time on the team and numerous other sanctions were levied on the school.

Now, when the NCAA handed down this ruling they stated “We do not have sufficient evidence at this time to prove Cam Newton received improper benefits.” To me this means they don’t have the evidence yet and are still looking into it.

My point is this, the NCAA has learned nothing since the Bush situation. Because if they had, this investigation should still be going, until they knew without a doubt Newton was clean and his father acted without his knowledge.

It will be sad day if it’s found Newton did have knowledge and thus was ineligible, because it would ruin a dream season for Auburn and more than likely another Heisman winner will be forced to forfeit the award.

Right when that happens I will initially be sad, because it will be another stain on college football. Then I will respond with a hearty “When will you learn?”

Because if not now, then the NCAA never will learn.