Another Cam Newton allegation? Sorry, I’m still not swayed
Cam Newton while at Westlake High. He was good then, too. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Another Cam Newton allegation has arisen, this one involving the quarterback himself. Citing an unnamed source, Thayer Evans of FoxSports.com reports that Newton was accused of cheating while enrolled at Florida.
The same Thayer Evans, it must be noted, had already passed judgment on Newton before his latest round of reporting. Wrote Evans last week: “Listen closely, Heisman voters: Do not vote for Newton.”
I no longer vote for the Heisman Trophy. (The AJC now precludes its writers from so doing.) But if I did, I’d have no problem casting a ballot for the Westlake grad.
Because even if he did cheat at Florida — he was also arrested there on three felony counts involving a stolen laptop — he’s not at Florida anymore. (The charges were dropped after Newton completed a pretrial diversion program.) Even if former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond was approached by someone saying it would cost $180,000 to land Cam, as reported last week by ESPN.com, Newton didn’t go to Mississippi State.
He enrolled at Auburn. He plays for Auburn. Neither the school nor the NCAA has ruled him ineligible. This isn’t to say that both parties shouldn’t go back and investigate his recruitment; it’s simply to say that anyone who seriously believes a player should be forced to sit because a charge of recruiting impropriety surfaces that doesn’t involve either the player directly or his chosen school is, shall we say, naive.
(Think of it this way: Auburn plays Alabama the day after Thanksgiving. Auburn and Alabama are — stop the presses — serious rivals. What would prevent an Alabama fan from saying to some news outlet: “Know what? I offered Newton 10 zillion dollars to play for the Tide — somebody suspend that guy now!”)
Yes, naivete cuts both ways. We can be skeptical of Newton. Heck, we can be skeptical of college football writ large. (Ask Clemson fans if they ever wondered about the recruitment of the 1982 Heisman winner, a tailback from Wrightsville, Ga.) But Newton getting arrested at Florida and being accused of cheating there in no way proves there’s anything untoward about his presence at Auburn.
If something implicating Auburn does come to light, that’s a different matter. But we cannot make the Reggie Bush leap — Bush had to return his Heisman, so no future Heisman should go to someone who might have to hand it back — because, at last check, Cam Newton is not Reggie Bush. I mean, come on.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
405 comments Add your comment
Smart like a Fox
November 9th, 2010
11:33 am
your guy is a felon…..nooo your guy is a felon……noooo your guy is a felon…….your guys worse than ours…..nooooo your guys worse than ours…….nooooo yours is ……nooooo your is… Got to love the message and you have got love it comes from the SEC.
Norm's Panties in a KNOT
November 9th, 2010
11:33 am
I love the picture. Maybe Cam can replace Marshmallow MATT STAFFORD in Detroit. That Lion on the helmet could be a great future for CAM.
Marshmallow MATT’s CAREER STATS
13 games has not finished or played a WHOLE season.
258 or 473 = 54.5%
2802 yrds
19 TD
21 Ints
5 fumbles
67.1 QB rating
Tidomonkey
November 9th, 2010
11:33 am
Of course a UGA fan like Mark Bradley would be fine with a felon winning the Heisman.
bjohndawg
November 9th, 2010
11:34 am
This Cam Newton thing just smells rotten. from Fla. 13 alleged traffic tickets, with one still open for suspended license( that was the same think C. King was guilty of right..suspended license, that prompted a article about “Richt losing control”). Buying stolen laptops, allegations of cheating at previous school. Allegations of payoffs to play. Too much coming from too many different areas. I think there is going to be more in the coming weeks.
The same issues prompted the AJC( was that you Mark or Jeff) that Richt had lost control of his team. Hell this one kid hit that number at Florida all by his self. But that was in the past you say. We are talking about the now you say.
Of course we should not point at other teams, What of Herschel Walker’s recruitment in 1979. There might be a problem there. Forget the NCAA five year limit right Mark. I mean a comment like that will stir the Bulldog nation pot.
Your problem …..gunslinger journalism. Just ready to write something, anything. Like a cop stopping traffic to get his quote of tickets in. Your write a quote of words so you can go home.
I remember your writing in the 80’s and some in the 90’s and it has some value.I could read it and say,” there is some journalism there.”
Now, you are just a blogger. And this blog….just a bad freethrow attempt. Shaq would do better.
root4au
November 9th, 2010
11:35 am
hey you little punk uga fans…get ready for a royal beat down this weekend on the plains..your d could stop my high school. AU in a route..
Waterboy
November 9th, 2010
11:36 am
That don’t change Nothin
Jus cause the watehrboy is a cheata, Mud dawgs gonna kick som assssss in the Bourbon bowl!
MUDDAWGS!
MUDDAWGS!
MUDDAWGS!
The Ghost of Wally Butts
November 9th, 2010
11:39 am
Sorry Auburn fans, all of this stuff still does not qualify you for any Fulmer Cup points.
We, the Thugdawgs, remain the Fulmer Cup Champions.
AU Rules is delusional
November 9th, 2010
11:41 am
Keep dreaming pal…..
go defend your hero Scam somewhere else thug lova
jumbeauxtiger
November 9th, 2010
11:41 am
Mark,
You said AJC writers can’t vote for the Heisman.
Isn’t Tony Barnhart is a voter?
bjohndawg
November 9th, 2010
11:41 am
Sanford Drive
Thanks. You are better at this than the AJC.
Wonder why they could not find that. We never heard anything about Newton’s traffic problems from them. Of course they just say that was old news. They would rather talk about Herschel Walker’s recruitment of 1979.
NORRIS
November 9th, 2010
11:41 am
There is absolutely no way Auburn beats down Georgia. Auburn may win but Auburn has no defense. Georgia will score 30 easily on this defense.
jumbeauxtiger
November 9th, 2010
11:41 am
Oops…isn’t Tony a voter?
AU Rules is delusional
November 9th, 2010
11:43 am
13 traffic violations ?
3 times caught cheating?
1 arrest for a stolen laptop?
#200,000 paid in full to preacher man daddy?
It walks like a duck, quacks like a duck then it’s a duck.
No you cam not allbarn. cheaters
Norm's Panties in a KNOT
November 9th, 2010
11:43 am
I just heard DUKE, Vandy, and BC were found to have paid Hundreds of thousands of Dollars to get many of their players too. Why can’t they BUY a shot at the MNC? Clemson bought one in 81, UGA did the same in 80. hahahah I can’t get my Tongue out of my cheek.
Like the SEC says “If you ain’t Cheating, then you ain’t Try’n.”
Florida coach Urban Meyer says he is not the source for stories on Cam Newton – USA Today | ArticleNox.com
November 9th, 2010
11:43 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
WOW,REALLY?
November 9th, 2010
11:43 am
Two things! One yes he was arrested for HAVING a stolen laptop. He did not steal it. He purchased a stolen laptop. He did not steal anything from someones dorm room. Really, read up on your facts here. Second, in order to be a felon you must be convicted. He was never convicted and ALL charges were dropped. Therefore, the kid has no felony record! He has admitted to making mistakes. Let the kid learn from those and grow as a person.
South GA Dawg- you make UGA look real brilliant! Let’s not cast stones just yet. Don’t mention standards! Yall are far from the top when it comes to having standards.
Let’s let this all play and then come back when there is really something to talk about!
All colleges have cheaters, that’s nothing new. Hell if I recall correctly I’m not even sure Deion Sanders was enrolled in classes for part of his time at FSU! Let’s also not forget that these are KIDS! Kids will be kids and make mistakes. Some of them will be bigger than others. No one is perfect and that is how we learn and grow as a person. When all this comes and there is guilt found, then by all means, throw your stones. Until then, lets finish playing some awesome football that we have left this year!
Toney "Jabroni" Barnfardt has a gobbler
November 9th, 2010
11:44 am
Tony Jabroni loves this Scam Newton kid….. he barely mentioned it in his article today.
AJC sports writers = disgrace to business
Gatorzone
November 9th, 2010
11:44 am
Sure is a lot of smoke coming off of this guy. Not sure there is a fire, but man how many players have this many allegations only to be totally innocent of all charges. Strange.
dawgfacedboy
November 9th, 2010
11:44 am
It’s funny how in this day and age that anyone can say anything without any evidence whatsoever and people suddenly start to judge. What the kid did pre-Auburn is completely irrelevant to his Heisman candidacy at Auburn. The Heisman trophy is supposed to be awarded to the best college football player in that given season, wich is Cam Newton at Auburn.
The fact that he may have cheated on a test at a previous school and may or may not have been offered money to attend a school he is not currently enrolled at is irrelevant. He is the best college football player this year at Auburn University.
He may not win the “Collegiate Good Decision Award” but there is not doubt he should win the Heisman.
The barner posters here are desperate and pathetic
November 9th, 2010
11:46 am
Reading you tools defending this THUG makes me wanna puke.
Anyone else…. you would be bashing the hell out of them.
WOW,REALLY?
November 9th, 2010
11:46 am
WHO CARES ABOUT TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS!!!! Damn, I would hate for someone to look into my driving record! Get real here people! The only traffic violations that should be of any concern should be DUI’s or carelessness causing injury. Lets leave it alone already!
AU search team
November 9th, 2010
11:46 am
tide rising hasn’t been on here lately. we wonder why
Sanford Drive
November 9th, 2010
11:47 am
WOW, REALLY?
Can i get your thoughts on this??
13 traffic violations, 1 of which is still open for Suspended License. You know, the same charge that has gotten several UGA players arrested.
Read it yourself…. https://www.alachuaclerk.org/court_records/gis/index.cfm?section=results
UGA players are deemed “thugs” when these things happen. But it happens to “your boy”, and it’s just kids being kids right??
Gatorzone
November 9th, 2010
11:47 am
Wow,really
How do you know he did not steal the laptop? Because Cam said so? Who did UF and the police go after that supposedly sold it to Cam? I never heard of anyone.
Barnes war call
November 9th, 2010
11:47 am
This kid is dirtier than a prostitute at the downtown Greyhound bus station.
Fleischman in Chi Towns Bed
November 9th, 2010
11:49 am
WOW,REALLY? – how many times have you bought a laptop out of the trunk of a car for $20.00 ?
A two year old would know this is wrong, get a clue.
oneofeach4me
November 9th, 2010
11:50 am
Well, in my opinion, IF someone had given this boy some “come hither to my school” money, he probably never would have been arrested for buying a hot laptop. I’m just sayin…..
Sometimes looking for dirt only makes the person digging dirty.
Ignorance is Bliss
November 9th, 2010
11:50 am
Yea he’s not Bush. He’s Cam.
He’s a guy who steals computers, cheats on papers (three times), and has 13 other blemishes on his record in Gainesville. Why should you jump to the conclusion that this good christian boy would ever accept money to play for a University. He’s father is a preacher for heaven’s sake.
Blind following the blind Bradley.
Gatorzone
November 9th, 2010
11:50 am
WOW<REALLY?
Oh yeah, and OJ is innocent.
Bill Clinton never had sex with that woman
Rush limbaugh is not a drug addict..
Okay mr. fantasyland.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2010
11:50 am
Sanford Drive – I checked the records on the link, and that is pretty amazing. The guy must have some kind of ADDHD to miss all of those red lights and traffic control devices. Passing in a no passing zone, driving at “unspecified speed” and 3x not carrying his license. The felony must have been for the laptop incident. Maybe he transferred from Florida to escape the long arm of the law.
My record includes only citations for speeding (50mph in a 40 mph zone) twice; one in NJ in 1978 and the other in GA in 1988. 2 different states, so I’m not considered a serial offender.
MBC
November 9th, 2010
11:51 am
Leave the kid alone. He just want to paly football and get a education. Hands down he is the best player in College footbvall.
bill
November 9th, 2010
11:51 am
The Cam that got away…just another reason why UGA needs to re-evaluate its recruitment process…we lose the players who always develop WITH GOOD COACHING!
Gregg T
November 9th, 2010
11:52 am
UGA did recruit him, but he wnated to go run Urban’s spread. All of this is just someone looking for attention until some facts happen to appear, which I doubt will ever happen. Let him play in peace. That said, if this were happening at UGA, it would be the only story in the AJC sports pages and another basis for Bradley, Shultz, et al to continue to lamblast CMR for his lack of discipline and/or control. Sports writers are all a bunch of “know it all”, judgemental hyppocrits.
BOOM
November 9th, 2010
11:52 am
Auburn’s going on probation. No doubt about it.
bjohndawg
November 9th, 2010
11:53 am
Looks like the last one( traffic ticket for old Cam) is still open from 11/07/2008
Over two years old since the continance
Man if that were in Georgia the sheriff would have called and had him picked up…right Caleb?
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2010
11:53 am
Oh, and I guess that’s why he’s riding a motor scooter at Auburn.
oneofeach4me
November 9th, 2010
11:53 am
@Fleischman in Chi Towns Bed ~ you must not be from Atlanta. The kid went to Westlake which is located in an area where not too many kids even graduate much less attend top colleges. Buying a laptop out of a trunk for $20 is common practice. Sure, he new it was wrong, I would know it was wrong too, but if my family had NO funds and I had NO funds and I needed a laptop in college… I cannot say 100% I wouldn’t pass on it myself. In reality, and I am no conspiracy theorist, he was probably set up. Again… just sayin.
Timothy
November 9th, 2010
11:54 am
Until it’s proven Cam did anything wrong at Auburn that would deserve some type of punishment (remember “innocent until proven guilty”? anyone?), he is the QB of the undefeated football team ranked # 2 in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Let’s play football on Saturday and see what happens… I want UGA to win with Cam at QB anyway. Go Dawgs!
God Bless America.... and no one else
November 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Haters. Mad that your team is 5-5, mad that your coaching staff couldn’t win the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, and scared to death that you will go 5-6 this weekend. Ignore the fact that this hoopla was developed in Starkville, Gainesville, and Tuscaloosa. Yes, he’s an Atlanta thug. So, Auburn can sit this one kid and UGA can sit their entire starting lineup. Give me a break.
Erin
November 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Why are all you UGA people making a big deal that Cam didn’t come play for you guys? Cam never even considered UGA. It never entered his mind. THAT’s why he didn’t come play for you. Cause you aren’t worth considering. Which is being proven this year (and last for that matter). Cam’s not a thug. He’s a decent kid trying to make a difference in the Auburn community and play football. Leave him along and LET HIM PLAY!
dap01
November 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Auburn knew that they were not getting a saint when they recruited Cam. What did they expect?
Glenn
November 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Good grief . Not swayed ? These are three detailed instances of blatant cheating & a laptop theft to boot . Auburn should sit this kid down immediately before he causes any harm to the university . This is beyond punk divaness .
MS. Bully
November 9th, 2010
11:56 am
I’m sorry that one player determines UGA’s entire season. Georgia still would not have won at Miss. State if AJ Green played. I keep forgetting that State’s entire team was healthy at the start of the Georgia game. #61 for UGA ended that with his cheap shot on our defensive lineman. MSU is still the healthiest team in the nation(if you listen to everyone we have beaten this year). Quit making excuses!!
Cobb Dawg
November 9th, 2010
11:56 am
Yeah, but you have admit there’s a pattern arising.
oneofeach4me
November 9th, 2010
11:56 am
Hey Delbert ~ lol… a motor scooter. Sure is far from a BMW though isn’t it?
Okeefe/GT
November 9th, 2010
11:57 am
Play Ball!
Who's Your Daddy
November 9th, 2010
11:57 am
As a long time Dawg fan, I am highly suspicious that these stories come from someone trying to throw mud and see if any sticks, probably someone(alumni)from a competing SEC school.
More than likely the charges are complete bunk, but if it isnt then investigate.
harold
November 9th, 2010
12:01 pm
ANOTHER GEORGIA BOY LEAVES THE STATE. IT IS TIME FOR RICHT TO GO!
jhs61165
November 9th, 2010
12:01 pm
He enrolled at Auburn. He plays for Auburn.
Becaaaause Awbarn U paid the fee to land him. The Pat Die Cheating Machine is back in full force. Warrr Egulll, Hay, Yall !!!!
Gbal
November 9th, 2010
12:02 pm
Will be interesting to see how many pieces tabloiders Shultz and Bradley milk this story for given how they milk the UGA incidences.
If CAM N was at UGA I bet you dollars to doughnuts Bradleys piece today would have not been supportive…. At best the headline would have read something like “Why would UGA even take a chance on Cam After Past Records at UF”.. What do yall think??
Even in the AU/Cam piece today, Bradley had to take a jab at UGA!!!
We will find out if all of the repeated stories bashing UGA are really seen as stories or if they are just trying to stir up hits on the blogs.