NCAA right to end investigation into Cam Newton, Auburn
Cam Newton can celebrate another victory. The NCAA has closed the book on its investigation.
The conspiracy theories won’t end. But the NCAA says its investigation into Cam Newton’s recruitment by Auburn is over.
College’s football’s relative governing body announced Wednesday it was closing the book on Newton and Auburn after conducting “more than 80 interviews,” apparently none of whom claimed — and could verify — that they were offered money, took money or had a cash register receipt for somebody who did.
Go ahead and whine. But I’m not sure how you can fault the NCAA on this. There is little question the NCAA, for all of the criticism it has received over the past several months on how it has handled this, would have nailed Auburn and/or Newton if it could have. The NCAA is not above wanting to make a big show of things.
The problem: There’s simply no evidence of wrongdoing.
Here’s a copy of the NCAA’s statement:
After conducting more than 80 interviews, the NCAA has concluded its investigation into Auburn University. The NCAA enforcement staff is committed to a fair and thorough investigative process. As such, any allegations of major rules violations must meet a burden of proof, which is a higher standard than rampant public speculation online and in the media. The allegations must be based on credible and persuasive information and includes a good-faith belief that the Committee on Infractions could make a finding. As with any case, should the enforcement staff become aware of additional credible information, it will review the information to determine whether further investigation is warranted.
Yes, we know that Newton’s father, the pastor Cecil “Huggy Bear” Newton Sr. tried to pimp his son out to the highest bidder. The NCAA found back in December of 2010 that Cecil attempted to solicit a large payment, reportedly $180,000, from Mississippi State in exchange for assurances that his son would transfer there from a junior college, bringing his football talents with him.
For this NCAA violation, Newton was ruled ineligible — unbeknownst everybody at the time. He then was reinstated in time for Auburn’s SEC championship game three days later, when the whole bizarre chain of events was disclosed. The NCAA was criticized at the time for not declaring Newton ineligible for the season. But it ruled that there was insufficient evidence that Cam Newton was aware of his father’s actions.
Now, if you wish to debate the logic of that, that’s fine. But what you think you may know is not exactly considered admissible evidence in a court of law. And there certainly never has been a evidence of wrongdoing by Auburn in all of this, despite what buffoons like Danny Sheridan might claim on radio shows.
Jackie Thurns, the NCAA’s associate director of enforcement, sent an email to Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs on Tuesday that outlined its 13-month investigation into the Tigers, not just regarding Newton but allegations of impermissible inducements and extra benefits connected to four other players: Raven Gray, Stanley McGlover, Chaz Ramsey and Troy Reddick. All made allegations on HBO’s “Real Sports” show called, “Dirty Money,” but nothing could be substantiated.
If anybody committed a crime, they did an excellent job wiping away the finger prints.
College football stirs emotions here in the South, and nobody stirred them more last year than Newton during Auburn’s unexpected run to a national championship. But the contention of many that Newton should not have been eligible to win the Heisman Trophy (which he did) and Auburn should not have been allowed to play for the SEC and BCS titles (which it did, and won) were baseless.
Many will vent about this, as they have for months. There will be angry comments from fans and flaming comments from a few major media outlets that quoted double-secret sources of Newton’s guilt and Auburn’s finger prints.
But the NCAA made the right decision here. The last time I checked, we don’t convict in this country on a juicy theory.
By Jeff Schultz
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558 comments Add your comment
Dawglasville
October 13th, 2011
11:51 am
DawginLex – Funny.
Poor ole Dawgs
October 13th, 2011
11:51 am
I’m sorry, I was polishing our crystal trophy and missed that last comment……did a Dawg fan just bring up player arrests? Take off your Power Ranger costume, sit back down at the kids table and quit subjecting the SEC to embarrasing out of conference losses, Colorado, Central Florida, Boise State, Oklahoma State, etc..
DawginLex
October 13th, 2011
11:56 am
I noticed the auburn redneck used the term “clairvoyant”
I looked that up in the auburn redneck disctionary and it says
“A clear liquid used by Auburn fans to kill fire ants.”
1eyedJack
October 13th, 2011
11:58 am
Awbun will be back to 7-5 or 6-6 this year, with several beatdowns to come, so the world is back to spinning normally.
1eyedJack
October 13th, 2011
12:00 pm
Penthouse to the outhouse in one short year.
BAMA STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:08 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. WHAT YOU GONNA BLAME YOUR SHORT COMINGS ON NOW DAWGS? HAHAHAHAHAHA. UGA = ONE THOUSAND EXCUSES UNIVERSITY. HAHAHAHA. PRESEASON NATIONAL CHUMPIONS! HAHAHA. HAHAHAHA. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH!
BAMA STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:10 pm
ONE EYE JACK AND DAWG IN LEX,
YOU TWO WERE THE RING LEADERS TELLING ALL YOUR FAITHFUL NOT TO WORRY ABOUT AUBURN ALSO PASSING THE DAWGS IN FOOTBALL, BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO FORFIET THE ENTIRE SEASON. WHO YA GONNA SMOKE SCREEN NOW FELLOWS? HAHAHAHAHAHA.
BAMA STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:12 pm
WISH BAMA PLAYED YOU CRY BABIES THIS SEASON. IF YOU DO SOMEHOW BACK DOOR THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IT WILL BE ANOTHER 31-0 BLACKOUT AND YOU KNOW I’M RIGHT. HAHAHAHAHAHA
DunwoodyDawg
October 13th, 2011
12:13 pm
Auburn University is proud to announce a new business course. Cover Up 101. If the is successful, there will be an advanced 202 and graduate level 505 course offered. Remember the Auburn motto, “It’s always better not to get caught.”
AUBURN STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:16 pm
WHENS THE LAST TIME YOU WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DAWGS? LEAVE THE FOLKS FROM ALABAMA ALONE. ESPECIALLY THE ONES THAT WERE JUST PROVEN NOT (AND i HOPE YOU CAN HEAR ME) NOT GUILTY.
Hollywould
October 13th, 2011
12:17 pm
Dawginlex, glad you are back. I need more firepower/ any person dumb enuf to be drawn into a blog by admitting you have a daughter is pretty stupid. Get over it man/ just a blog. U can kiss the ring that u will never see. War Eagle!!
Skeezix
October 13th, 2011
12:21 pm
This always was an NCAA investigation driven by a huge media storm and wild, unsubstantiated accusations…. There never was any real evidence. This was a witch hunt from day one. A waste of money.
Hollywould
October 13th, 2011
12:23 pm
1eye, the outhouse is 6-7 which u know so well.. War Eagle
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 13th, 2011
12:27 pm
“An Auburn fan saying that is priceless after the felonies committed this past year by the players”
Those players don’t play for AU anymore, leg humper.
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 13th, 2011
12:30 pm
“I noticed the auburn redneck used the term “clairvoyant”
DawginLex never went to UGA, folks. He’s an AJC sports troll who lives in a trailer with his sister.
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 13th, 2011
12:30 pm
“Awbun will be back to 7-5 or 6-6 ”
Says the clown who’s team lost to UCF.
HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!
Hollywould
October 13th, 2011
12:36 pm
2010, u are in trouble, you mentioned dawginlex had a sister. lol Now watch him come on here and validate it. War Eagle
Weak Tiger
October 13th, 2011
12:37 pm
Screw Auburn.
BAMA STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:37 pm
HILLARIOUS THAT THE DAWG FANS ON HERE RIP SEC SCOOLS LIKE THEY ARE GEORGIA TECH OR SOMETHING. AND EVEN TECH HAS TURNED IT AROUND THE PAST 3 YEARS. HAHAHAHAH. YOU IDIOTS NEED TO STFU UNLESS YOU ARE BLOGGING WITH FANS FROM COASTAL CAROLINA, MIDDLE TENNESSEE OR TROY! I USED TO SAY CENTRAL FLORIDA BUT CAN’T EVEN INCLUDE THEM ANYMORE. HAHAHAHA
BAMA STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:39 pm
HAHAHAHAHA
BAMA STAN
October 13th, 2011
12:40 pm
DAWG IN LEX IS THE BIGGEST BLOW HARD IN DAWGLAND. HE IS WRONG MORE THAN EVEN CORSO!
SEC Observer
October 13th, 2011
12:43 pm
SECCG:
Bama 2nd stringers 27 Dawgs 7
LSU 2nd stringers 27 Dawgs 7
It is what it is
david
October 13th, 2011
12:48 pm
great for Auburn.
Cam was/is a phenom…..and a good guy……we will see that Sunday.
DawginLex
October 13th, 2011
12:49 pm
hollywould
do you think I don’t know it was you hiding behind another blog handle that said the stuff about my kid?
There are several folks on here who know I have a kid.
Don’t pat yourself on tha back and give yourself credit for anything loser.
You will ALWAYS be several steps behind me.
**********************
2010 BCS CHAMPS
It is amazing how angry you are. The lashing out, name calling etc. You really need help.
CrimsonInSuwanee
October 13th, 2011
12:49 pm
“The last time I checked, we don’t convict in this country on a juicy theory.”
When you say “we”, I assume you are referring to our nation’s legal system. Please be aware, however, that the NCAA rules and protocols have absolutely nothing the to do with our legal system. The NCAA’s tactics with regard to lack of due-process and its dependence on “secret witnesses” (right, Phil/TN?) would get it thrown out of every court in the land and likely jailed for contempt.
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 13th, 2011
12:50 pm
“u are in trouble, you mentioned dawginlex had a sister. lol Now watch him come on here and validate it. War Eagle”
yeah, but I didn’t mention he is married to his sister. I can’t wait to read his next comments about how he’s gonna come beat me up. I love internet tough tards.
I can’t tell you how many times that guy wrote about how AU was gonna get the death penalty etc.
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 13th, 2011
12:51 pm
“It is amazing how angry you are. The lashing out, name calling etc. You really need help.”
LOLOL!!!!! This coming from the same guy who said he’d make me wet my pants. LOLOLOL
Dude, you are funny!
Emmysmom
October 13th, 2011
12:54 pm
It is crystal clear that those who choose to believe Auburn cheated will continue to believe it. They will accept no evidence to the contrary. Their pitiful little jealous minds are closed, so we will leave them to their weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. The rest of us will move along quite nicely without them.
dawgsthatcantbarkandelephantsthatfart
October 13th, 2011
12:55 pm
What a bunch of paranoid idiots. Proof. You have it? Bring it. Fact is all you have is a house of cards that is built on sifting sand, unsubstantiated rumor upon unsubstantiated rumor. STFU already.
1eyedJack
October 13th, 2011
12:55 pm
BAMA STAN, can you show documented proof of me “TELLING ALL YOUR FAITHFUL NOT TO WORRY ABOUT AUBURN ALSO PASSING THE DAWGS IN FOOTBALL, BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO FORFIET THE ENTIRE SEASON.”? Thought not….toothless loser.
Hollywould
October 13th, 2011
1:03 pm
lex, Hide behind a handle? Why, I can do that with this one. Man, u are losing it/ go make a pb&j/get a glass of milk and take a nap. I am worried about your blood pressure.
greg
October 13th, 2011
1:18 pm
WOW!! Another amazing article from “Captain Obvious”!!! I feel so much better informed for having read it. Really JS? The NCAA found no wrong doing so they did the right thing by ending the investigation? That’s some deep thought right there. Jeez….
GARBAGE!
Gator Mike
October 13th, 2011
1:23 pm
Congrats to AU. However, the deal with suspending AJ Green from UGA for those games because he sold a jersey was a poor decision by the NCAA. Look at the Ohio State and Miami jokers. Are we to assume that they will also get a clean bill of health from the NCAA? AJ Green should sue the dumb a$$ NCAA.
Go Gators, beat AU!
UGA2002
October 13th, 2011
1:25 pm
Kincaid is after the wrong cam reporters.
camenstein
October 13th, 2011
1:28 pm
and Lake Lanier is down 10 feet, garbage
Bernie
October 13th, 2011
1:30 pm
This article conflates the concept of criminal activity and violations of NCAA regulations. Furthermore, Schultz is wrong about whether “a juicy theory” is enough to convict. Criminal law in this country allows for a finding of guilt based solely on circumstantial evidence. That the NCAA refuses to use circumstantial evidence just shows it found an excuse to look the other way. The NCAA knows its big sporting programs stink and it’s trying to cover things up now.
Atlanta87
October 13th, 2011
1:32 pm
Hello everyone. Ive been living under a rock for a few days. Has anything happened in the world of college football?
Eric C.
October 13th, 2011
1:35 pm
Honestly, Cam probably deserved the 180,000 ,if he indeed got it…heck, look at what he did for CFB marketing last year.
Jealous of Auburn?
October 13th, 2011
1:50 pm
I love how you “HATERS” say you “KNOW” Auburn did wrong….could it be that Auburn beat your favorite teams @$$ last year and still holding a grudge from it? We got behind in quite a few games, probably your favorite team was up on us a couple of scores and you thought you had us, but somehow with the chemistry of that Auburn “TEAM,” they overcame the hurdles and came back and put your team away…..all the way to the National Championship….so if your favorite team was on our schedule….thank you for your hard effort, but it wasn’t or will never be enough, sorry ;( War Damn Eagle!!!
wiltontiger
October 13th, 2011
1:51 pm
There will always be an “Asterisk”
October 12th, 2011
5:56 pm
There will always be an Asterisk next to the Auburn NC title. We know they dodged a bullet, and even the Auburn fans know it. That is why you get the loud comments from Auburn fans. They think if they defend the NC loud enough, maybe it will convince themselves that it was a deserved title. But they know the truth, and they will have to live with their decision to accept it.
Sorry fellow , you’re an idiot for sure.^^^^^^^
Not in the official NCAA histories . 2010 is a NC for the Auburn Tigers. They were honest and the BEST college team in the nation. Auburn did it with 1 of the greatest players of all time . Cam Newton, from Atlanta, Ga. Who Mark Ritch thought shjould play TE. Deal with it ..everyone War Damn Eagle!
War Cheating
October 13th, 2011
1:59 pm
So the NCAA didn’t find anything in the investigation? OK…. so now they should investigate the cover up. That’s what they say got Tech in hot water was hiding the violations, not the actual violations themselves. WTF? Actually, never mind. They have probably already covered up the cover up.
LawDawg
October 13th, 2011
2:04 pm
Man, I wish I had a talented son I could sell to the highest bidder without him “knowing” about it, thus ensuring my financial stability while not effecting his eligibility. What a nice scam the NCAA has created.
dogcatchergeneral
October 13th, 2011
2:05 pm
What we AU alum and fans love most is the butthurt all of this causes THuga’s and bammers. It’s so much fun to watch and listen too!!!
LawDawg
October 13th, 2011
2:06 pm
Clearly the actions of AJ Green, Tech, and UNC are far, far, far worse than the rampant player paying at Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, and Auburn. AJ Green was suspended longer than Jacory Harris, Chip Kelly is still kicking, OSU only lost a coach and UM has faced no sanctions yet.
The message from the NCAA: We only go after small crime, so go big or go home.
Ian S
October 13th, 2011
2:07 pm
Is it just me or is this decision moot? I think the large majority of people understood that nothing would be found and that Newton, as well as Auburn, would not be hit with any penalties for wrongdoing. And coming from a current student at Alabama, last year’s season is anything but on our minds right now; we don’t care about Auburn winning last year as much as we do about succeeding this season. Generally, we’ve been over this thing for months now. It annoys me that so many Auburn students made posts last night saying “take that, haters” and the like when no one has been making a big deal out of it lately…
Atlanta87
October 13th, 2011
2:21 pm
But you’re commenting on it now Ian S so obviously you do care. If you cared about succeeding this season, you wouldn’t have even clicked on the link to read this article. War Eagle Buddy.
dogcatchergeneral
October 13th, 2011
2:28 pm
National Champions baby!!!!! Eat it THUGA and bammer!!!! BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
All-Involved
October 13th, 2011
2:34 pm
Jealous of Auburn?, if you paid attention, you’d find that almost 100% of UGA fans congratulated, and were proud to be in the same conference as, UF, LSU and Bama when they WON their NC’s. I know that I personally did. But I and most of my fellow SEC’ers, as well as the rest of the NCAA, knows *AU’s track record, as well as the mountain of “circumstantial” (ala OJ) evidence against you. With characters like Lowder, McGregor,etc. leading the way, it speaks volumes about the program. Then you have a player who cheated and stole at UF who *AU welcomed with open arms and played but one season there (this after offering his services to the highest bidder). Not to mention the HBO boys who all of a sudden got quiet. If Bama did all of this, *Aubies would be shouting from Cheaha Mountain. *AU cheated and, for now at least, has gotten away with it. Deep down inside you *Aubies know it or you wouldn’t be protesting so much to try and make everyone else think you’re clean. You’re not and no one believes your cover-ups. The *’10 NC and *Heisman are badly tainted. And just like *Sosa, *McGuire, *Clemens, and *Bonds, *Auburn will always carry an asterisk.
Atlanta87
October 13th, 2011
2:48 pm
@ All Involved
“Deep down inside you *Aubies know it or you wouldn’t be protesting so much to try and make everyone else think you’re clean”
You got it all figured out don’t you? We are not protesting so much for everyone to think we’re clean, we’re protesting because we’re defending our University. We don’t want or need your congratulations. As for your asterisk, you can shove it up something else that starts with as.
Rodster
October 13th, 2011
2:50 pm
In reference to “Here’s the real story”… “paid with confederate money…” Now that’s funny!