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
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2010
12:04 pm
oneofeach4me – There was an online article about people in Auburn seeing Cam tooling around on his scooter. But, hey, I have one myself. It is large enough to require a motorcycle license, though.
Jake
November 9th, 2010
12:04 pm
If cam newton wasnt having the season he would be having none of this would would even matter
Open Your Eyes
November 9th, 2010
12:07 pm
He’s guilty until proven innocent in this world. The kids has tremendous talent just like Reggis Bush did…most likely, he has been receiving payments in some form or fashion…it is time for Auburn and other to do what is right…he is should be suspended until cleared…unfortunately, he will receive all kinds of awards and then 5 years later have to give them all back. Open your eyes for once Bradley!
Erin
November 9th, 2010
12:08 pm
@Glenn: All of the incidences you just mentioned not only (allegedly) occurred BEFORE Cam was at Auburn, but also aren’t proven. The laptop thing was a misunderstanding and he was exonerated. And the cheating scandal that has erupted is complete BS spewing from the mouth of an idiotic and irresponsible Fox Sports.com reporter. Proving Cam cheated means someone violated federal privacy laws, which means big trouble for other people down the pipe. That aside, don’t you believe in redemption, and that the road to said redemption, should someone choose that path, shouldn’t be so rocky? This kid is flourishing and thriving at Auburn. He has been nothing but compliant and honest since being at Auburn. Maybe they didn’t take good care of him in Florida and didn’t encourage honesty and discipline in their players. Who knows? I’m not one to say. But at Auburn, Cam is handling things in the right and just way, AND he’s actually making a difference in the community! Plus, guess what? He’s still the best all-around player in the country! People need to lay off this kid and give him the respect he deserves. He’s not dishonoring Auburn in any way. He is the farthest thing away from a diva or a thug. He’s being targeted for no good reason other than it makes for good talk on message boards like this one. The Auburn family knows what’s up and we stand with Cam. War Eagle.
Roy Wood
November 9th, 2010
12:09 pm
Get over it I dont care if Newton robbed two banks he is not at UGA.If he had a G on his helmet he would have been suspended for the season.Because you know the NCAA loves UGA.Let the throat gestures go I have seen it done in High School or in PEE Wee football.All you tech ,ALA & auburn loveres go to your own blogs and complain.UGA is the best and I hope Richt stays at UGA at least 10 more yrs
Ted M
November 9th, 2010
12:09 pm
This was a really funny post:
“Auburn brought this on themselves- trolling for the character castoffs of other schools.”
Ha Ha… “Auburn brought this on themselves”…yeah a possible National Championship what a terrible thing to bring upon yourself.
Jimnalph
November 9th, 2010
12:09 pm
True or not, as they say, where there’s smoke there’s fire. Too many allegations to be nothing. If this guy is dirty, we sure would not want to sully the Heisman Trophy with him. He may be a great player, but in my book the Heisman Trophy demands exceptional off the field conduct too. Better to check him out thoroughly now.
Alvin Green Cousin
November 9th, 2010
12:10 pm
Sounds like a vast right wing religious conspiracy by the University of Alabama Communists
Oregon Brave
November 9th, 2010
12:10 pm
Cam Newton? LaMichael James! GO DUCKS ! !
Old Dawg
November 9th, 2010
12:11 pm
Norm’s Panties in a KNOT: It’s difficult to make a statement like that against Stafford without acknowledging the miserable place he’s playing: Always remember that Detroit was the death of Andre Ware’s career and those of many other quality QBs.
In other words, get a little balance in your life … it’ll make you human after all.
Suspect Timing
November 9th, 2010
12:11 pm
Why’s all this coming out last week and this ? Sure reeks of somebody trying to do him in. And I’d begin by looking at powerful Bama alumni. You’ll find a lot more “goings-on” by sending the NCAA to Tuscaloosa than you will sending them anywhere else. Bond was probably approached by a Bama person to come out with the story when he did, and I suspect Bond is telling the truth.
C. Strickland
November 9th, 2010
12:12 pm
Of course he needed a laptop for college. Had to have Internet access to purchase his term papers.
Gbal
November 9th, 2010
12:12 pm
Just a question…. (and I am fully supportive of Cam playing out the season…The incidences were in the past) BUT…. A JUCO transfer who had previously been at a D1 school…. had been involved in lap top theft but off as first offender…. had 12-13 traffic violations…. had been implicated for cheeting 2-3 times…. Who had been implicated as having requested $$$ for signing with another school….
Is this someone that you would expect UGA to go after?
Another point… UF did a much better job of covering up the traffic violations and cheating than UGA does…. Maybe UF is just blessed not to have such a fine paper as the AJC around to print and ridicule their home flagship school…. Or Maybe Greg McG. knows some ropes that can keep these minor BS items out of the press.
Dawg '88
November 9th, 2010
12:14 pm
Double standard applied here by many:
Dawgs get arrested…throw away the key.
Florida kicks Newton out for serious allegations and he stays in conference because Auburn looks the other way…..but “I’m not swayed”. “Georgia has no room to talk”…right!
UGA players are suspended for moped violations, suspended licenses, speeding tickets, drinking beer, etc. The one major offense committed caused a player to be kicked out of school. Bradley and others here call for an examination of what CMR’s recruiting practices are and who is going after. He has lost control in his and other’s opinions on here.
But Auburn admits a known cheater (3 times) and a guy who is a thief and obstructed justice and wink wink…”it doesn’t sway me”. Uf for once grows a conscience and cut him loose. Then they compromise themselves and let “stalker boy” Rainey play and make major contributions. No problem.
Now the player removed at UGA is getting scholly offers from Bama, LSU, etc. Amazing. UGA is falling apart but Auburn and Uf are saintly. Thanks for the lesson here Bradley and others…If you’re winning…the player and program are off the hook….but lose games and you’re coach should be shown the door and UGA is worse off than those guys.
That’s a load of crap! And everyone on here knows it!
Newton, Rainey and UGA’s removed player should not be allowed to play in the SEC again. One is a theif, cheater and liar. The other is someone who threaten defenseless women that they will kill them. The other is a groper. But if they play for a winner…its ok. They are fantastic…Way to go Bradley!
Inspiration
November 9th, 2010
12:14 pm
John 14:6
virginia dog
November 9th, 2010
12:14 pm
Cam Newton is a product of our time. He is a gifted athelete that has been catered too so long he has no moral compass. He was going to get expelled at Florida.(there was a day went that charge alone ended your career) But that is not all. He bought a stolen lap top. And yet after all of this.The real issue and story.
There was a line of universities waiting … no there was a line of schools bidding on his enrollment into there school.
The system is corupt and it is dirty. (it always has been)
Also let’s be clear. Auburn is guilty… the only question is does the NCAA have the stones to put the program on the death penality.
Fleischman in Chi Towns Bed
November 9th, 2010
12:14 pm
C. Strickland – well done!
Scott "Phillip" Wallace
November 9th, 2010
12:15 pm
uhhhhhhhhhhhh I hate long posts… stop it losers.
Ed (The Original)
November 9th, 2010
12:15 pm
Either this kid is being slandered or Auburn made a deal with the devil to get to the promised land.
Alabama | MrSEC.com
November 9th, 2010
12:16 pm
[...] Auburn is bracing for Georgia’s passing attack.4. Mark Bradley of The AJC writes that Cam Newton is not Reggie Bush.5. But the character assassination attempts continue. Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News [...]
barneyb
November 9th, 2010
12:16 pm
Yes, even as a UGA grad, I admit UGA has serious character problems with some of the players. That said, this article isn’t about UGA. It’s about Cam Newton. And face it- Cam Newton is popping up way too many times in developing and past scandals. Ya know, oftentimes when when you hate to admit it, when there’s smoke there’s fire. Too bad the Heisman doesn’t take character into it- otherwise Cam Newton might not even be considered.
NORRIS
November 9th, 2010
12:16 pm
TO: God bless america and no one else
“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. ”
By the way this is the same coaching staff that has beaten Auburn 4 years in a row…
Saban's Shadow
November 9th, 2010
12:17 pm
Keep hearing how Cam didn’t know the laptop was stolen. Then why did he run into his room then throw it out the window? That’s what I do with all the laptops I’ve purchased. The difference in GA is if someone gets a ticket it’s reported other Schools hide it, and if caught cheating hide it(Fl 13 tickets and 3 honor code violations). I say GA should bring back Montez Robinson since Rainey is such a feel good story Montez has served enough of a “suspension” Where are all the fans talking about how Meyer nips it in the bud as far as discipline goes when we all new Rainey would be back. Pouncey said from day 1 Rainey would be back. meyer throws dismissed from the team so much that 2 weeks ago he cut a Freshaman DB and had to say at the end “there is no chance he will return” I guess until a couple of DBs get hurt. Did the same thing when he cut Jarvis Moss he came out and said he would let the team decide whether or not to let Jarvis back then he suspended him for 2 games burt spread it out over wimpy teams.
Glenn
November 9th, 2010
12:18 pm
Erin
Where there is smoke there is fire . Sure everyone deserves multiple chances in life . That being said this situation has a very combustible feel to it . I wish him nothing but the best & hope these accusations prove untrue . Odds are they wont . For the future of your program I think its in Auburns best interest to investigate like the wind . If there is any truth to this its going to be magnified in the coming weeks . I sense a fairly messy situation arising .
JASon
November 9th, 2010
12:19 pm
“these claims are either irrelevant or unproven.”
So what does that make you? Since you are reporting them?
John
November 9th, 2010
12:20 pm
He may deserve the Heisman based upon his on the field performance and I think that is why the award is given. He may not deserve it to the extent the role model image for younger players factors in to the equation.
1eyedJack
November 9th, 2010
12:22 pm
Maybe he’s guilty and maybe he’s innocent, but would you trust your wallet around him? Or your laptop, or your TV, or your stereo….
Kirk Herbstreit
November 9th, 2010
12:22 pm
Fig is definitely guilty, there is no question…. of being hugely talented, so let’s find a skeleton, and if we can’t, let’s create one. No good athlate goes unpunished.
jerry
November 9th, 2010
12:23 pm
So he stole a laptop. No big deal in this age of murder and rape. Give him a f–king medal for not stomping some kid to death.
Skeezix
November 9th, 2010
12:23 pm
Mark: I agree.
NORRIS
November 9th, 2010
12:24 pm
Dont understand what all the debate is about. He was punished for his crime. He has not done anything else at this point that would merit any punishment. Now if more comes to light then so be it. But give it a rest…
mikel
November 9th, 2010
12:25 pm
Typical. He is a thief and a liar but he can play ball, that is all the coach gives a crap about. He should have been put in jail when he stole the computer and we wouldn’t be talking about his trashy butt.
Douglas
November 9th, 2010
12:25 pm
So its ok if he robs your neighbors house, as long as he dosn’t rob yours? He’s a criminal. He has not changed since he left Florida. Ask some folks if he ever got in trouble in High school. I think you would be surprised what you find. Talk some people that went to school with him at Westlake High. You would not believe……
NORRIS
November 9th, 2010
12:25 pm
everybody keeps talking about the lap top. he was convicted of that and punished. its in the past.
WesDawg
November 9th, 2010
12:27 pm
Bradley strikes again. He would be ready to hang him along with Mark Richt if he went to UGA. Hypocrite just trying to sell fish wraps.
and what...
November 9th, 2010
12:27 pm
Richt said today that uga did recruit Newton but had him as a TE prospect not QB.
Rebel bell
November 9th, 2010
12:27 pm
If UGA could beat Auburn Sat.that would makd amends for a sicking seasons!!!!
Franklin
November 9th, 2010
12:28 pm
Meyer likely leaked it, so he won’t look like the dumbest coach in the history f college football for lettin Cam Newton slip out of his team. But it doesn’t matter, Meyer’s still right up there with the dumbest judgment of talent ever, maybe besides Saban not seeing Drew Bree’s upside at Miami.
More on Cam: Urban Meyer says he wasn't the town crier | Mark Bradley
November 9th, 2010
12:28 pm
[...] More linkage! If you’re wondering what I, famous Auburn fan that I am, have to say about this, you can click here. [...]
Buckeye
November 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
Per USA Today today…..
BBVA Compass Louisville vs. Georgia
HA! The B I R M I N G H A M B O W L
Surprised
November 9th, 2010
12:30 pm
Hell,
With Cam’s rap sheet, he’d fit right in at UGA.
reebok
November 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
Cam Newton doesn’t refrigerate after opening.
jarvis
November 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
Why is MB apologizing in the headline?
Nobody takes his crappy opinions personally.
jerry
November 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
He “completed a pretrial diversion program”, which means if one has never been arrested he has a free shot to steal just about anything without a felony going on his record.
gdawginkalamazoo
November 9th, 2010
12:32 pm
Okay he reportedly bought the laptop out of the trunk of an orange and blue decorated limousine. He was going to buy one out of the back of an orange helicopter but the seller looked shifty eyed and suspicious.
Heard he stole a lap dance for the local strip club.
Famous Quotes
November 9th, 2010
12:33 pm
“I did nothing wrong” – Cam “Laptop” Newton
“He has the power to beat this” – Damon Evans’ girlfriend
“I did not have sex with that woman” – Clinton
“I am being attacked, this is spiritual warfare” – Bishop Eddie
“Michael Vick is a falcon for life” – Mr. Blank
“I’m your coach” – Bobby “Pig-Sooey” to Mr. Blank
“We need to work on that” – Coach Richt’s observation to any problem
“We’re on track to keep the House” – Nancy Pelosi
And the beat goes on and on!
Bebo
November 9th, 2010
12:33 pm
Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Call him anything you want, Nothing is going to prevent the but kicking this Saturday.
Bradley, you're a hack
November 9th, 2010
12:33 pm
How is being charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors “irrelevant”?
fishtales
November 9th, 2010
12:35 pm
Even after it was revealed that Urban probably did the squealing…and with no evidence that Bama did anything…Aubbie flunkies still are paranoid that Bama is out to get them. Even with your “great” season you still can’t get Bama out of your heads can you?
Little brother syndrome.
jerry
November 9th, 2010
12:37 pm
@NORRIS
everybody keeps talking about the lap top. he was convicted of that and punished. its in the past.
According to Bradley he was not convicted of anything. His “punishment” was to complete a pretrial diversion program and the three felony counts were dropped.