Your Heisman Trophy finalists were announced yesterday and there was  no surprise: Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, Kellen Moore and LaMichael James. There’s also no surprise about the debate within that foursome.

Cam Newton is a divisive name and you’re already seeing a few voters who say their vote can’t and won’t go to Newton for his alleged discretions.

Surely there are others who are silent (for now) as well as some who either don’t think Newton is better than, say, James, or don’t believe Newton and his luggage deserve a vote/any vote against the reputation of, perhaps, Luck.  Then again, what’s fact in this instance? Can you deny Newton for supposition? Was he ineligible the moment his father began shopping his services or do you believe the son knew nothing and therefore should feel nothing?

It’s a strange balance of noble and ethical values and this year people will weigh the Heisman Trust Mission Statement maybe more than ever before.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award.

That’s heavy. Really, ask yourself this: “What if I had a ballot?”

The Heisman ballot allows three selections, but doesn’t require three selections. If, for example, you thought Newton was the best player, but you don’t think he is worthy of a first-place vote because of his situation, you can submit this:

1. ______________
2. Andrew Luck, Stanford
3. LaMichael James, Oregon

Maybe you truly believe in the concept of innocent until proven guilty and want to make a point that you are not  the juror for Cam Newton’s allegations and that Reggie Bush has nothing to do with this. You could do this:

1. Cam Newton, Auburn
2. ________________
3. ________________

Or you could fill out a plain old ballot. Nothing wrong with that, either. I’m eager to see the ballots once they go public … and mine will be in there, as well. The vote, as well as the voting, will say a whole lot about the way we look at sports and rules these days.

For today, though, suppose you had a ballot. What would it look like?