NCAA president Mark Emmert responded Thursday to the backlash that the governing body is allowing Cam Newton to play in the SEC championship game even though his father sought payment for his services.

"We recognize that many people are outraged at the notion that a parent or anyone else could 'shop around' a student-athlete and there would possibly not be repercussions on the student-athlete's eligibility," Emmert said in a statement on the NCAA's website.

Emmert added that he's committed to "further clarifying and strengthening our recruiting and amateurism rules so they promote appropriate behavior by students, parents, coaches and third parties." He also said the NCAA will "work aggressively with our members to amend our bylaws so that this type of behavior is not a part of intercollegiate athletics."

The NCAA ruled Wednesday that the Auburn quarterback and Heisman favorite was unaware of the pay-for-play scheme concocted by his father, Cecil, and the owner of a scouting service. The NCAA declared Newton eligible to play for Auburn (No. 1 BCS, No. 2 AP) Saturday against South Carolina (No. 19 BCS, No. 18 AP).

According to the NCAA report and Kenny Rogers -- the former Mississippi State player who worked for an agent -- Rogers and Cecil Newton sought money for the quarterback to play for the Bulldogs.

George Lawson, the Newton family attorney, said Thursday that Cecil Newton cooperated with the NCAA.

"Cam's father participated in the investigation truthfully and honestly in terms of what he knew and what he didn't know, regardless of the consequences," Lawson told WSB-TV in Atlanta.

As to whether any money changed hands, the attorney said: "Absolutely not."

Lawson added that he "would hope" the investigation is over.

"But if it is not at an end, Cam and his family will continue to participate," he said.