Will mere allegations cost Newton the Heisman Trophy?
We’re not going to spend any time on the Fearless Friday Forecast because the news events are so much more important. But here is my question to you this morning: Will the accusations, whether they are true or not, that someone solicited money on behalf of Cameron Newton cost the Auburn quarterback his shot at the Heisman Trophy?
It was a blockbuster story reported by ESPN.com on Thursday. When you strip away all the clutter, here are the basics: Somebody who said they represented Newton and his family was, according to the story, shopping the junior college quarterback around and looking for the highest bidder. Newton’s father, Cecil, denied that anybody represented his family in any such discussion. An investigation is underway.
Obviously, two things have to happen. First, the NCAA and/or SEC must prove that such conversations took place. Then the dots must be connected between those conversations and the Newton family. That takes time.
Now a very dark cloud has been put over a great Auburn season. Lifting the cloud or confirming its legitimacy is a complicated process. And Auburn doesn’t have a lot of time. The Tigers host Georgia on Nov. 13 and go to Alabama on Nov. 26.
Here is the concern I have for Newton, who is at the top of a lot of Heisman Trophy lists. Just the mere allegation will cause some of the 900-plus voters to cast their ballot for somebody else. In a post-Reggie Bush world they will not want to vote for somebody who might have to give the trophy back a year or two years from now. Remember it took over four years to get the USC case resolved and for Bush to give up the hardware. Just the possibility that any of this is true is going to hurt the man who could become Auburn’s third Heisman winner.
Is that fair? Of course it’s not fair. But if we have learned no other lesson this year it is that the ugly underbelly of this sport, occupied by bad agents and runners and former players doing both, can hurt a lot of people.
I hope the SEC can get this resolved quickly, certainly before next week’s Georgia-Auburn game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. If not, it sure is going to put a damper on what was going to be a big November for this conference. And the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn on Nov. 26? Not a whole lot of people will be talking about the game. They will be talking about whether or not Auburn and Cameron Newton forged an alliance based on cheating. This, too, comes under the category of “Life’s Not Fair.”
I will say this: If it can be proven that Cecil Newton was shopping his kid around to the highest bidder, there is special place in Hell reserved for him. I don’t care if he runs a church or not or if he calls himself a preacher. You just cost your kid everything that matters in life–reputation and integrity–for a few pieces of silver. I just pray this is not true because if a man of God will pimp his kid, then we are all pretty much lost.
And if somebody paid cash for this kid and it can be proven they should do some serious jail time. Former Alabama booster Logan Young was convicted for basically doing the same thing. Do you people never learn?
And if somebody paid cash for this kid and it can be proven that there is a direct connecton to the Auburn athletics department, then the school is going to get hammered and it should.
But that’s a lot of ifs. And what if none of this is proven? What if there is a lot of smoke but no fire? I’ll admit it does not look good but we don’t make decisions like this based on the emotion of the talk shows and the chat rooms. We actually have to have some evidence.
Like a politician said many years ago when hit with a scandal that turned out not to be true: Where does Cameron Newton go to get his reputation back? What if after being tarred and feathered in the court of public opinion we find out that the man in question never had contact with him or his family?
This is an ugly, ugly business and regardless of what the facts turn out to be some people are going to get hurt. That’s why it’s so sad.
Saturday’s winners: Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, N.C. State, TCU, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Stanford, Boise State.
Saturday’s losers: All of us who love college football if this turns out to be true.
Saturday’s biggest winner: Penn State’s Joe Paterno, who could record No. 400 by beating Northwestern. Coach Paterno, you always remind us that there is a right way to do things.
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890 comments Add your comment
gdawginkalamazoo
November 5th, 2010
2:33 pm
51IML, would that be NEXT year that Cam’s dad was thinking of? NOBODY would have pegged Auburn to be where they are this, year this soon. I think even Chizik is laughing about it. That or sh!tting a brick trying to figure out how to keep it going.
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
2:33 pm
BAMA dude, I guess I missed something. The NCAA is now just looking at this? Did Saban call for the inquiry?
No, a writer from the New York Times just got a confirmation and ran with it. There has been an investigation ongoing since July but nobody knew about it except SEC, Auburn, and Missy State officials.
dave
November 5th, 2010
2:34 pm
hey too easy, I would take that bet. If pointing out someone who routinely flames the board with nonsense and misinformation, compared to someone offering constructive insight, is evident as being an impostor, then I guess I am guilty, LOL!!!
drbasic1
November 5th, 2010
2:35 pm
Tony just for your info…Biblically speaking, the bible says..believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thy shall be saved (salvation) works; neither good or bad get you to heaven. In that instance, cecil is safe….what about you?
dave
November 5th, 2010
2:35 pm
No, the SEC has been investigating since July, not the NCAA, who jumped on board last month.
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
In that instance, cecil is safe….what about you?
Eddie Long has his ticket too, I guess…
Too easy
November 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
@5IML To give your entire thought process a moot overtone, why did he ask Mississippi State for cash then? If the “lock” was in why did they get asked for money? No one has said Auburn was asked. It’s only been assumed. And the shakedown could merely be the guy trying to get cash weather or not Newton signed and then what could they do call the cops and say hey we bribed this agent for the kid to sign and he didn’t so go arrest him. It would be an easy way to screw someone out of 180K with no repercussions.
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
dave
November 5th, 2010
2:35 pm
No, the SEC has been investigating since July, not the NCAA, who jumped on board last month.
*sigh*
The SEC DOES NOT INVESTIGATE ANYTHING REGARDING ELIGIBILITY. That is up to the NCAA. The SEC might suspend a player for on-field conduct but that’s another matter.
drbasic1
November 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
bama dude
not for me to judge, just that tony’s comment struck a nerve….
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
2:39 pm
Too easy, maybe the sports agency gave Cecil the money and was looking to get some back.
dave
November 5th, 2010
2:39 pm
LOL, “thought process?”
AU Fan
November 5th, 2010
2:40 pm
Jay Jacobs, Auburn’s athletic director, said on Friday that the university would not have allowed Cameron Newton to play football this season if there was any doubt by the university that would lead to NCAA problems for the football program.
On a regularly scheduled appearance on WANI Radio in Auburn on Friday with Andy Burcham on the Auburn-Opelika This Morning show, Jacobs said, “The people that are athletic savvy people, what Gene said last night is that Cam is eligible so I think that people that know athletics know what that means. Unfortunately, we can’t talk about it, but I can just tell you this. What went on yesterday, what came out yesterday, was no surprise to us. We have known about that for quite some time.”
Jacobs noted that he was surprised that articles written on the subject. “We didn’t learn anything new yesterday (Thursday),” he said.
“We are just looking forward to playing the game tomorrow (Saturday), Cam being the quarterback and there we go,” Jacobs added.
“One thing I do want to say is just like we have always done, we will continue to protect Auburn. We will do what is in the best interests of Auburn. We are not going to get into the gray area with any rules. We are going to have coaches and staff who are people of character and integrity.”
Asked about Auburn’s decision to allow Newton to be part of the team, Jacobs said, “I can’t specifically talk about this case, but any time you have any question about the eligibility of any student-athlete, regardless of what sport it is, you do not allow them to play. He will be playing tomorrow (Saturday).
“What is going to be interesting to watch is how his teammates begin to rally around him in this particular case,” Jacobs added. “There will be some resilience. When you are put in the spotlight like we are now, particularly with the guy who is the No. 1 football player in the nation, attacks are going to come. As we often say in church, ‘higher levels, more devils.’
“It will be interesting to see, but I know this–this team and this staff are going to stay focused on going out there and competing every day and doing it the right way. It is going to be fun to watch. We have got three ball games for sure left, and probably four, before the bowl game. All of these guys will come together and it will be a fun thing to watch, just like it has been, just like the previous nine have been.”
dave
November 5th, 2010
2:42 pm
The SEC can review and investigate anything they want. They receive and review all complaints and inquires.
Voice of emotion
November 5th, 2010
2:43 pm
First let me say I am an Auburn fan. These allegations make me sick to my stomach. If these allegations prove to be true he deserves whatever punishment is handed down. But if they are not proven to be true then the people responsible for these allegations should be made to pay also.
Could it be that this story broke how to hurt his Heisman Trophy chances? Could it be that this story broke now to deflate the team and the fans? What is the motivation behind the allegations? Do we find it easier to accept as fact that it happened because he got into trouble before?
It may work! But whatever the motive behind it, it does not make Auburn or Cam Newton and his family look good.
I have read several comments stating that he was guilty. What is the motivation behind these statements? Is it because he is a good athlete and you don’t like that? Is it that he is better than any player on any team and you want to see him brought down? Is it because he is black? Is it you just hate Auburn?
If anyone has evidence of his guilt or of his innocence the NCAA is wanting to hear from you and see that evidence.
Don’t sit him down yet. That is exactly why this story broke now.
It
MURPHY
November 5th, 2010
2:43 pm
5150 POAD,
Baked Potato State has me concerned! LOL I see where you asked yesterday if I coach the Atlanta Colts or the Candler Park midget team-That was a good one. No I coach High School Football out of State.
Paul (you doesn't have to call me Johnson)
November 5th, 2010
2:46 pm
Cherchez Le Bobby Lauder. The Auburn AD is probably having a “Come to Jesus meeting” with Chizek and Lauder
Quart
November 5th, 2010
2:47 pm
I seem to remember Mike Slive commenting on John Wall’s eligibility last year. Besides, this isn’t about eligibility, this is about improper actions involving SEC schools. This can most certainly be investigated by the conference.
Quart
November 5th, 2010
2:48 pm
Voice of emotion,
The timing with AJ Green wasn’t ideal either. Literally days before the first game?
jess
November 5th, 2010
2:50 pm
Kenny Rogers has a laundry list of inappropriate dealings in his closet. I find it hard to believe Mr. Newton was oblivious to this…..
PAY TO PLAY!!!!
November 5th, 2010
2:54 pm
BUT JUST DON’T GET CAUGHT!!!!
steve
November 5th, 2010
2:56 pm
“Saturday’s losers: All of us who love college football if this turns out to be true.”
So you are saying that everyone who loves college football will “lose” if in fact it turns out to be true that a rogue low life agent tried to extort $180,000 from Miss. State…because those are the only allegations that have been made? I don’t think anyone will “lose” if that turns out to be true…you can’t let one idiot rain on your parade
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
2:56 pm
The thing about all of this is, it appears that Auburn itself isn’t being investigated. I’d bet that when it all shakes out, the investigation centers around Cecil and Rogers. If Cecil took money then the wins will have to be vacated. If not, then all is clear. Either way I’d be surprised if the kid gets the Heisman at this point and equally surprised if anything were determined by the end of the season. I also don’t see Auburn getting any future sanctions bases on the findings.
Camputer
November 5th, 2010
2:59 pm
TrishaDisha-
How’s that tinfoil hat fit? EABOD.
Mobile Dawg
November 5th, 2010
2:59 pm
Earth, I see you time line. What I don’t see, and haven’t seen is what is being investigated, other than what I read on here. Your post enlightened me only that this has been out there a while. First I heard about it was last night.
Do your self indignant remarks (i.e. dense comments) make you feel good? Superior? They’re not necessary here sport.
MURPHY
November 5th, 2010
3:02 pm
BAMA dude,
I really find it hard to bring sanctions against Auburn if the father is found guilty of wrong doing.I dont know if you fault Cam either if his father is the culprit. This looks like a real mess that could be dragged out for a very long time.
gdawginkalamazoo
November 5th, 2010
3:02 pm
Won’t matter after UGA shuts them down next week. I hope. Not trying to smack talk or anything. Just hoping that’s all.
murfdawg
November 5th, 2010
3:05 pm
Why is this just coming to the forefront now? Where there is smoke…there is Bama!!!
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
3:06 pm
Will coach RICHT make sure the players don’t get FACED DRUNK tonight with the Big Bad 1-7 Idaho St team coming to town?
Colorado3-5 plays 2-6 Kansas tomorrow too.
RiffRaff
November 5th, 2010
3:08 pm
I read that Cecil Newton’s church was to be demolished in 2009 but for some reason in 2010 it was remodeled.
Holy Zion had been threatened with demolition in 2009 by the Newnan City Council for failing to meet the city’s building code. Renovation work on the church began last spring and the building is now in compliance, according to the Newnan Times-Herald.
“If you’ve ever seen our church, you’d know we don’t have any money,” said Cameron Newton’s mother, Jackie. “We have nothing.”
Question is who paid for this??
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
3:08 pm
I hope the dawg don’t get hurt like Nesbitt did last night, but UGA has no QB to play for Murray unless they want to burn Mason’s red shirt year. Hutson should not want to play. he may want to keep this year for when he transfers because of LeMay.
Mark
November 5th, 2010
3:09 pm
The only thing that would be fair for Auburn, for Cam, for the SEC, and frankly the legitimacy of the Heisman this year is for the NCAA to get this thing resolved quickly – like in the next week or so and come out and say whether there is any basis at all for these allegations. I’m an Auburn fan and I’m more than willing to take the truth here in large doses.
Someone needs to find out what Kenny Rogers says about the whole thing and whether he ever actually had any agreement with the Newton family. What I hope won’t happen is that the NCAA forces the Newton’s to prove a negative – that they got no money and had no agreement with Rogers. That would take forever and frankly would not be fair until someone can come up with more than hearsay to say that such an agreement existed (and, in fact, Bonds doesn’t even say that is the case).
The bottom line is reporters trying to make a buck are putting a huge cloud over a great season for an individual athlete, his teammates, their coaches and all the fans and alumni. The NCAA should not be content with Tony’s apparent view, that it is just unfair and there is nothing that can be done about it..
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
3:11 pm
MURPHY
November 5th, 2010
3:02 pm
BAMA dude,
I really find it hard to bring sanctions against Auburn if the father is found guilty of wrong doing.I dont know if you fault Cam either if his father is the culprit.
Maybe not, but he would be ineligible just the same.
Mobile Dawg
November 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
The timing and hearing Urban’s name mentioned leads me to believe there’s circumstancial evidence that Meyer is frustrated having lost Newton. If so I would hope that Dog finds it’s way back and bites him squarely on his a$$.
poad rhymes with choad !!!
November 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
last for years is all that matters to me but thanks for the quick tip !!
For What It Worth
November 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
Mr. Barnhart, Just because he’s a pastor of a church, does not make him a man of God, there are a lot of people who go into the ministry for the money, not because they love the Lord.
5IML
November 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
@Too easy,
What is a “moot tone”? Thanks for the chuckle.
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
The SEC is becoming just like Americas Funniest Home Videos and Cops all rolled into one
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
3:16 pm
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
The SEC is becoming just like Americas Funniest Home Videos and Cops all rolled into one
This coming from the Techie who drunk-dialed yesterday’s board in the wee hours?
5IML
November 5th, 2010
3:18 pm
I know. I know. This just doesn’t seem fair. First, there was 2004. Now, when you are within stiffing distance of a national championship in the modern era, this investigation rears it’s ugly head.
I hope the allegations are true but, I’ve enjoyed the panic this has caused.
NCAA investigations had been a running Bammer joke for Aubs until earlier this week. Pardon me while I burst into laughter.
BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
3:20 pm
NCAA investigations had been a running Bammer joke for Aubs until earlier this week. Pardon me while I burst into laughter.
Which makes no sense since Aubie leads the world in NCAA probation and won their only MNC while on it.
BAMA JAMA @ BAMA dude
November 5th, 2010
3:20 pm
don’t feed the trolls…
eatontoneagle
November 5th, 2010
3:21 pm
Tony, you and your buddies at ESPN have effectively cast a dark cloud over a young man you know nothing about. What I just read would’nt pass for journalism.As far as the statement “a special place in Hell” How dare you sir! When all is said and done and the Newtons are all found innocent of all charges will you have the moral fiber it takes to retract this piece of garbage. Doubt it. You lost any credibility you might have ever had with me.As far as a special place in hell,well there is a place there for liars as well.
5IML
November 5th, 2010
3:22 pm
POAD,
I believe North Carolina’s football team plays in the ACC. Pot meet kettle.
Also, after going up 14 in the first quarter only to lose by 7 last night, you should self-impose at least a week-long sanction from talking junk (or a blog or in-person) to anyone. You guys stink.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 5th, 2010
3:23 pm
@camputer(obvious uga/bamafan name)..
EABOD? If I read that right, it sure leaves you safe as you would be out of the running…
Kenny Powers
November 5th, 2010
3:23 pm
Quid Pro Quo
QB for donation ‘
hope this is not the case
Driving Ms Dooley
November 5th, 2010
3:28 pm
Speaking of Florida. If Cams Daddy is the kind of guy to pimp out his son, don’t you wonder if it may be the second time it’s happened??
Maybe a UF booster paid one of those “match-maker” hacks to point Cam toward the sunshine state out of HS. Then, when his dad needed money again, he told Cam to transfer so he could have another payday.
Ughh! What an ugly sport this is becoming.
BAMA STAN
November 5th, 2010
3:28 pm
13 NATIONAL TITLES – 22 SEC TITLES!!!
The only thing I have gotton out of the article is:
– Rodgers to Bonds that for $180,000.00 – Cam would go to Mississippi State.
– Bonds reported the conversation to Mississippi State
– Rodgers stated that other schools offering $200M.
1. Auburn was NEVER implicated in the conversation.
2. Rodgers sounds like your typical real estate agent, “we got other people that are really interested in this property – so you better offer quickly for the full amount”.
3. Cam and his dad could have decided on Auburn due to Gus Malzones offense – Cam is the perfect fit and is in better position for success over Miss. State.
I think …. and hope – that Rodgers saw an opportunity to fill his pockets with Mississippi State – being in a position to recommend the best school to the Newtons for Cam. As Mississippi State turned him down – I am sure Rodgers pushed Auburn to punish M State.
At any rate – until proven otherwise – Cam needs to play and Auburn does not appear guilty in any of this BS.
Hey BARNERS – we will decide it on the field – as we do each year.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
3:28 pm
Yes BAMA DUDE it is. AHHAHAHA, but I was at home and drinking safe.
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
3:30 pm
5IML
what does your name stand for?
UNC is 1 or 12. Bama, Florida, UGA, Auburn, and The Vols = 5 of 12.
Damper
November 5th, 2010
3:31 pm
One thing I know for certain, TrishaDishaWarEagle wants the NCAA to do their jobs and investigate this story like they should have done with the Reggie Bush case. She’s made it abundantly clear on this blog that she was highly disappointed with the NCAA’s lackadaisical performance in 2004. Maybe they’ll get it right this time.