More on Cam: Urban Meyer claims he wasn’t the town crier
Get the picture: Cam Newton plays for Auburn but used to play for Florida and considered playing for Mississippi State. Last week ESPN.com reported that former MSU quarterback John Bond — from Valdosta, by the way — was told it would cost the Bulldogs $180,000 to land Newton. On Monday FoxSports.com reported that Newton was facing expulsion for cheating at Florida.
Today’s development in this swiftly moving SEC tempest: Urban Meyer, who coached Newton at Florida, told Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun he hadn’t leaked the information to FoxSports. Dooley quotes the Urbanator thusly:
“Obviously, it’s a joke. I don’t know anything about anything. I heard they’ve got me meeting with the agent and all that. I never met with anybody. It’s ridiculous.”
According to Dooley, the Florida media relations department went so far as to release this statement from Meyer:
“Our entire focus right now is on preparing for our biggest game of the year against South Carolina. For anyone to think that I or anyone on our staff may have leaked information about private student records to the media doesn’t know us very well. It’s a ridiculous claim and simply not true.”
None of this has anything to do with us here in Atlanta. Except that Newton played at Westlake High and lives in College Park, and his father is the pastor of the Holy Zion Church of Deliverance in Newnan. And also that Auburn, which is ranked No. 2 in both the Associated Press poll and BCS standings, faces the Georgia Bulldogs this weekend and can clinch a berth in the SEC championship game at the Georgia Dome by winning. And that Auburn could well meet — small world! — Urban Meyer’s Gators here on Dec. 4.
According to Charles Goldberg of Al.com, Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs released a statement — hey, it seems the thing to do — regarding Newton on Tuesday:
“In the past 24 hours, a lot of allegations have surfaced that date back two years ago and further. These allegations and rumors about Cam Newton are unfortunate and sad because they seem intent on tearing down the reputation of a young man who has done everything we’ve asked him to do.
“Cam has been and continues to be completely honest with us. Cam is, by all accounts, a great kid. Any discussion of academic records is a clear violation of federal privacy laws. We will not go down that path or stoop to that level as others have apparently done. We will, however, emphatically say that Cam is eligible to play football at Auburn University both academically and athletically.
“I am proud of this young man and the progress he has made to be a better football player and a better man. We are truly blessed that Cam is a part of the Auburn family, and we support him 100 percent.”
More linkage! If you’re wondering what I, famous Auburn fan that I am, have to say about this, you can click here.
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323 comments Add your comment
Real Science
November 9th, 2010
8:47 pm
As usual nobody really knows what they are talking about on a sports blog.
What a novel idea! Rainey definitely was punished correctly. UGA dismissed a couple of future starters for less than many others walk on.
I don’t think any of these kids should be getting any kind of atta boys but they do and people always try to point to others flaws. That said, it will continue to get worse as long as winning is number one. These kids aint rocket surgeons for gods sake. What they are on a high percentage is trash that plays sports well. Simple
Beast from the East
November 9th, 2010
8:48 pm
Cam obviously made some mistakes at UF and I think it was the right decision to leave and try to get a fresh start elsewhere. He chose the JC route and was re-recruited all over again. He chose Auburn because of the proximity to home and their sytle of offense. He appears to have been given a second chance and is making the most of it. The stories of what transpired at UF are 2 years old. Unless he or his family are proven to have solicited compensation for his autograph on signing day then I say leave him alone and enjoy wathcing him play. He’s a special talent.
Beast from the East
November 9th, 2010
8:49 pm
Real Science,
What exactly is a rocket surgeon?
Rob
November 9th, 2010
8:51 pm
The federal privacy laws do not apply to Greg McGarity. He is completely independent from UF, Auburn and Cam Newton and knows the more than anyone about everything Cam. Auburn is so distracted before the Georgia game. You can’t hide from the truth. It will come back and bite you in the but. I love it! Go Dawgs!
Real Science
November 9th, 2010
8:53 pm
Exactly
Rob
November 9th, 2010
8:53 pm
Real Sience, I am on to something. Read my comments.
sara
November 9th, 2010
9:01 pm
pay the homies….
Beast from the East
November 9th, 2010
9:02 pm
Rob,
There’s no telling where the story was “leaked”. It’s 2 year old news and was circulating in Gainesville when Cam left. It just re-surfaced again this week. I don’t think McGarity would stoop so low. It’s Richt’s butt that is on the line at UGA, not McGarity.
ckgator
November 9th, 2010
9:10 pm
There is no evidence to suggest Vince Dooley is not behind all of this.
ckgator
November 9th, 2010
9:10 pm
There is no evidence to suggest Tommy Tubberville is not behind all of this.
ckgator
November 9th, 2010
9:15 pm
MARK: please be reminded of the 9 elements of journalism as listed below. To suggest that Meyer (or any other coach) has a bone to pick, the time to pick it, and is conspiring to defame Newton is laughable.
Please pay close attention to item #1. If you can uncover facts to this effect, then report them and write about them. If not, move on.
The 9 elements of journalism:
1. Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.
2. Its first loyalty is to the citizens.
3. Its essence is discipline of verification.
4. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.
5. It must serve as an independent monitor of power.
6. It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.
7. It must strive to make the significant interesting, and relevant.
8. It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional.
9. Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.
10. Its the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
ckgator
November 9th, 2010
9:16 pm
#3 also applies…
3. Its essence is discipline of verification.
Ga Dawg 97
November 9th, 2010
9:21 pm
Just think if we had Cam at QB instead of Aaron Choke Murray! I bet at the very least we are playing for a spot in the SEC Title game. It is time for Richt to go!
Reality
November 9th, 2010
9:23 pm
Agree with ckgator. This whole article is an example of very poor journalism.
MAJOR PAYNE
November 9th, 2010
9:28 pm
By the way the Federal Privacy Laws do apply to Greg McGarity, he was an employee of the University of Florida while Newton was there. He is still bound to thiose lawsa affesting that athlete.
Also the leak has been found he is a member of the Florida football medai staff. It has been confirmed.
Mark Richt
November 9th, 2010
9:30 pm
I really saw Cam as more of a TE. Besides I like Aaron Murray and he’ll get better. We are really hoping he grows 4 or 5 inches this off season. Then he’ll be the real deal. A Georgia boy going to another school and winning a national title and Heisman will hurt a little though. Not to mention the whooping coming on Saturday. Oh well, we’ll get things corrected and I have a life time contract anyways.
Rob
November 9th, 2010
9:33 pm
Major Payne should be Major Wrong. Sherlock, the fact you are correct about isMcGarity was employed by UF. McGarity is brilliant putting this out here. You know you can post links here anytime Major.
Cobb Dawg
November 9th, 2010
9:33 pm
Have you noticed how no one associated with this kid is EMPHATICALLY claiming his innocence. All they’re saying is that there’s no proof,etc. I think there are several grownups who know the truth, and don’t want to stand behind it when the dust settles. Where there’s NCAA smoke, there’s a forest fire. Get ready Aubies.
Bud
November 9th, 2010
9:38 pm
I think Cam Newton has dodged a lot of bullets and may not be as perfect as a lot of people think.
Rob
November 9th, 2010
9:38 pm
Dawgs are going to beat the daylights out of Auburn. Murray is going to make you forget all about Newton after Saturday.
Rob
November 9th, 2010
9:43 pm
Where there is smoke there is fire and it is coming down hard on Auburn and Cam starting with Aaaron Murray raining helll down on Auburn Saturday.
Fox Sports
November 9th, 2010
9:47 pm
Do some research on this d-bag from foxsports.com that “broke” the news. Obviously he is not a journalist by any stretch of the imagination. He has been likened to the “Jerry Springer” of journalism. Before you jump on the hate Cam band wagon, do some reseach on the d-bag that wrote the article.
AltamahaDawg
November 9th, 2010
10:01 pm
NoGagator, what puzzles me is why you continue to argue with me on behalf of Cam Newton, when I have said repeatedly that I do NOT have an issue with him, or what he might have done 2 years ago.
But, I don’t believe that the Heisman voters are really going to consider how Chizik phrased his comments about this. It is what it is. It just seems to me that AU is making it worse, and letting the story control them right now. But I will consider that there may not be any good way to handle this, right from the start. I would be willing to bet that after a day or two to catch thier breath, they will be doing a much better job controlling it, and I would hope that it would include a better strategy than to wave the federal privacy law flag, as they have today. In case they haven’t figured it out yet, nobody gives a crap about that. They have not even effectively made the case that Cam is the victim here. Technicalities don’t typically endear people to your cause. Maybe they said the right legal things but I will guarantee you they are all throwing up in the trash can tonight because it has not been a good PR day.
Greg McGarity is the town crier
November 9th, 2010
10:05 pm
Remember he came from UF.
Hot Dawg
November 9th, 2010
10:06 pm
UGA…….hire Mike Leach to coach the Bulldogs…………………!!
Greg McGarity aka Chester The Cheese Eater
November 9th, 2010
10:06 pm
Spilled the beans on Cam.
Rob Eats Idiots Sandwiches
November 9th, 2010
10:10 pm
Just like all you dumb redneck UGA fans.
Mark Bradley Eats Idiots Sandwiches
November 9th, 2010
10:13 pm
LOL
col foot
November 9th, 2010
10:39 pm
There is probably a lot of truth to these allegations, but do you think anything will be done about this …of course not! This goes on a lot more than we realize or know about…this is big time college football. In other words, win at all cost!! This is meat market football at it’s finest!
Dawg 555
November 9th, 2010
10:45 pm
Wow….it feels like a bunch of vultures circling their doomed prey. For this, I blame irresponsible journalism. Get the facts before everyone starts their feeding frenzy.
AltamahaDawg
November 9th, 2010
10:47 pm
NoGaGator, if I wasn’t so sure that you have read me repeatedly stating that I don’t have a problem with Newton, or his actions, I would almost think you were insinuating that I do.
But if you think that it’s been handled correctly, or that any Heisman voter gives a hoot about how Chizik phrases his comments to be technical and legal, that’s fine.
I will bet you though that after the AU Ath Dept get over throwing up in thier trashcan, and has a day to consider how to better control this story as opposed to the other way around, you will see them roll out something a hell of a lot better than this “federal privacy laws” flag they have tried to run up the pole today. In case they haven’t already figured it out, nobody gives a crap about that.
Cam Newton Drama Ignites FBI Investigation – TMZ.com | SHOBITUBE .INFO
November 9th, 2010
10:58 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
SuperB
November 10th, 2010
12:14 am
Well, was he kicked out of Florida for cheating or not?
yearofthedawg
November 10th, 2010
12:18 am
BRadley, what does this have to do with getting Richt fired? Keep your eye on the ball, man!
Sources: Cam and Cecil Newton talked of pay-to-play plan with recruiters – ESPN | SHOBITUBE .INFO
November 10th, 2010
12:20 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Report: Newton, father sought money – FOXSports.com | SportsZrr
November 10th, 2010
12:55 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Report: Newton, father sought money – FOXSports.com
November 10th, 2010
1:57 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
He Hate Gator
November 10th, 2010
2:45 am
I don’t like Auburn, but one has to wonder about the timing of the allegations…
Jim 007
November 10th, 2010
5:45 am
The more I hear of this story, the more I am disgusted by it.
If true it is terrible !
If untrue, It Is MUCH Worse !
gomdawg
November 10th, 2010
6:08 am
OK ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ,LETS TALK FOOTBALL AND LET THE NCAA WORK THIS OUT IT WILL BE WHAT IT IS.
gomdawg
November 10th, 2010
6:17 am
Auburn has a very good off. and so do we, def. Georgia better and speical teams Georgia better. Dawgs 45 Auburn 35
warhorse
November 10th, 2010
6:21 am
Bradley shows he is an ignorant buffoon. For months he and others have criticized the arrest record of UF players with a number that includes the arrest of Cam Newton for the laptop incident. Now, when it appears that Cam left UF in a hurry to avoid some cheating accusations, it is Cam who is the poster child victim of some UF conspiracy.
I always have admired Cam, but he needs to explain the cheating allegations (not to mention a dozen traffic tickets in slightly more than a year); remember, it is Cam who opened the door to this entire inquiry by the media when he did not tell the truth about WHY he was leaving. All the stuff about Tebow coming back was baloney.
Cam has two choices now that he is in the Heismanlimelight: 1) say nothing about the past (perhaps too late) or 2) tell the truth about the past. Urban Meyer is not a player in this issue and Cam is not the victim.
Bo Ring
November 10th, 2010
6:32 am
Booooorrrrrriiiiinnnnggggg……….
Who cares?
Larry
November 10th, 2010
6:57 am
Newton’s father was quoted as saying: “I’m not going to sit up here and say anything about it, whether I did or did not do it,…”
Judge to Jury: “Has the Jury reached a verdict?”
Jury to Judge: “Yes, your Honor, the Jury finds the defendant…GUILTY.”
Munson's Toupee
November 10th, 2010
7:01 am
Cheating in the SEC? that’s unbelievable.
TampaGator
November 10th, 2010
7:07 am
SEC Homer….
Cam Newton and Urban Meyer would meet at the 50, shake hands, and wish each other well during the game. That is all the fireworks you would see….other than a great game.
And….there is a good chance you just might see that game….although SC is not going to be a piece of cake for the Gators. The team that played Arkansas is NOT going to the team that will be playing in THE SWAMP Saturday night. This game means something to SC….and to the Gators.
Larry
November 10th, 2010
7:08 am
Let’s see, Cam is a convicted thief, a habitual traffic violator, a proven, repeat cheater, and more likely than not entertained some offers to play.
But, the Auburn AD and Head Coach says he’s innocent and a great kid. what does this say about Auburn and their fans who defend this?
Push aside all emotions about football championships and university or state loyalty and ask yourself a simple question: If you had to provide a “yes” or “no” answer to the question of “based on his previous behavior–not anyone’s opinion–at Florida, did Cam Newton more than likely entertain offers to attend Auburn and/or Mississippi State?”
Good answer…we agree!
Auburn Man
November 10th, 2010
7:17 am
Lotta mad dawgs on here. I guess when you have a 5 and 6 season staring you in the face your insecurities have run amuck. I laugh when UGA fans take acceptation over the legal and character questions of other schools players. It really is the definition of irony.
$200,000 QB = Auburn football death penalty
November 10th, 2010
7:21 am
Hopefully ALABAM can schedule Georgia State again next year to replace the Cheating Auburn Tigers on their schedule.
Yes we sCAM!!!! (get the death penalty).
NoGaGator
November 10th, 2010
7:41 am
According to this, here’s more smoke on the “pay for play” allegation
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5786315
After seeing this and reading other comments Mullen made about Newton’s recruitment on Slimebaum’s show, I wouldn’t be surprised if the cheating source also cam out of Miss State, regardless of FERPA.