The Cam Newton Saga: Even by SEC standards, it’s bizarre
There’s no tempest like an SEC tempest, the scope of which can be breathtaking. Only in this conference could Alabama’s signing of a lineman from Memphis lead to Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer being served with a subpoena at the league’s Media Days. Only here could a night out in Pensacola, Fla., lead to Mike Price being fired by Alabama before coaching a game. Only the SEC could spawn the feel-good-gone-bad tale of Cameron Jerrell Newton.
He’s a quarterback from College Park who played at Westlake High. He signed with Florida, where he served as understudy for the sainted Tim Tebow. Newton left to attend a junior college in Texas, where he played for Brad Franchione, whose father Dennis used to coach Alabama and whose abrupt departure for Texas A&M led the Tide to hire, albeit briefly, Mike Price. (Nobody does connections like the SEC.)
Newton wound up enrolling at Auburn, where he’s considered the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. His team ranks second in both the Associated Press poll and the BCS standings and can clinch the SEC West by beating Georgia on Saturday. All of this is, however, subject to change.
Last week ESPN and the New York Times reported that former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond had been informed it would cost $180,000 for Newton to commit to MSU. (This John Bond, not to be confused with Georgia State offensive coordinator John Bond, was the quarterback at Valdosta High after Buck Belue and John Lastinger, both of whom went on to greater glory at Georgia. At MSU, the Valdosta product was known as “One-Hop Bond” for his aerial accuracy.)
Bond has dropped from sight — the celebrity Web site TMZ reports that the FBI wishes to speak with him — but not before granting an on-air audience to Belue, his fellow Valdosta alum, on 680 The Fan in which he undercut his own story by suggesting he hadn’t spoken with the intermediary named in the initial reports. (To which we say: Huh?)
Auburn was quick to assert that Newton was fully eligible to play for the Tigers, whom he led to a 62-24 victory over Chattanooga last weekend. Afterward he told reporters: “When God be blessin’, the devil be messin’.” (Newton’s father Cecil is the pastor of the Holy Zion Center of Deliverance in Newnan, which, as the New York Times helpfully informed us, has only recently been restored to city building codes.)
We pause here for breath, for our tangled tale has only begun. This week FoxSports.com reported Newton had been accused of cheating while at Florida. (While a student in Gainesville, Newton was also charged with three felony counts involving a stolen laptop that was subsequently tossed out a window. The charges were dropped after he underwent pretrial diversion.)
This cheating revelation, attributed to an unnamed source, immediately led Florida coach Urban Meyer to issue a statement saying nobody connected with the Gators had done the leaking. On cue, Auburn coach Gene Chizik dismissed all allegations as “pure garbage” and wondered, in what seemed a clear reference to Meyer and Dan Mullen, the former Florida assistant who’s now head coach at Mississippi State: “Is there a wizard behind the curtain? Is there one? Is there two?”
In all of this, the overarching question has been: If it was going to take $180,000 for Newton to play for Mississippi State, did he really enroll at Auburn for free? On Tuesday ESPN became the first outlet to address that issue, reporting that two unnamed Mississippi State recruiters were informed in separate phone conversations with Cam and Cecil Newton that the player’s services were indeed for sale.
One recruiter, according to ESPN, maintained the elder Newton said it would take “more than a scholarship” to land his son. Another source said Cam Newton expressed regret after his father chose Auburn for him, saying, “The money was too much.”
And that’s where we are, our story nowhere near its conclusion. If Auburn has reason to believe there’s a chance Newton’s recruitment wasn’t aboveboard, will it bench him for the Georgia game and risk losing the division title it’s so close to winning? (Chizik asserted on a teleconference Wednesday that Newton would start against the Bulldogs.) Does the SEC, shuddering over the possibility of its championship game matching Auburn and Chizik against Florida and Meyer, intercede? Does the NCAA? The FBI?
And what of Georgia, which needs one victory in its final two games to become bowl-eligible? Could the underwhelming Bulldogs face Georgia Tech without quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, who broke his arm against Virginia Tech, and Auburn without Newton? If so, wouldn’t that make Mark Richt the luckiest man alive?
And what of us? What does it say when we pay so much attention to games purportedly played by amateurs after being reminded so often that college football is as pure as the driven sludge? Does that make us hypocrites? Or merely fools?
Feel free to answer, but I’m not sure I want to know.
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519 comments Add your comment
GaTider222
November 11th, 2010
8:33 am
Scam Newton and the Auburn Cheetahs are in trouble…..
Auburn | MrSEC.com
November 11th, 2010
8:34 am
[...] We wish him all the best.”* Mark Bradley of The AJC says the Newton saga is bizarre… even by SEC standards. “Does the SEC, shuddering over the possibility of its championship game matching Auburn and [...]
Butternutsquash
November 11th, 2010
8:36 am
Have read all comments, but does it matter if he plays and then they find him guilty of something? They’ll take away all their wins anyway, so why not play him. They won’t play for title with 2 non-Cam wins. Play him. Go Dawgs!
Auburnfan
November 11th, 2010
8:42 am
Im so tired of hearing all of these UGA fans talking about stuff they don’t even know. All they want is a victory and that is why they want Cam to sit out on saturday. I live in georgia and I am so tired of hearing this nonsense about how UGA is going to have a victory on saturday. IT”S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Yes, Cam Newton is what makes Auburn exceptionally good, but they are still a hard hitting team, have a good offense, and have a heck of a lot of more tallent than UGA. So all of those UGA fans sitting around on their lap tops praying to God that Cam won’t play on Saturday need to get a life and suck it up! YOU ARENT THAT GOOD! Actually, you have been over-rated for the past few years now not only athletically but also academically. So SHUT UP!
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
8:42 am
GaTider222,
I wouldn’t rub it in too hard, if Auburn goes on probation for their 8th time, they just be joining Bama, currently serving its 5th!
JD
November 11th, 2010
8:45 am
I can’t believe people keep falling for all this BS about Cam Newton…here’s my favorite quote from an ‘anonymous’ source reported by ESPN:
After Newton committed to Auburn, another source said an emotional Cam Newton phoned another recruiter to express regret that he wouldn’t be going to Mississippi State, stating that his father, Cecil, had chosen Auburn for him because “the money was too much.”
Who gets emotional about not going to MISS STATE…NOBODY.
Cam Newton phoned another recruiter to ‘express regret’ that he wouldn’t be going to MISS STATE…YEAH RIGHT.
I hope they find every person responsible for spreading this garbage at Miss State so it doesn’t happen to another kid. It has to be against the law and they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to make an example out of them. That’s the real story Mark Bradly.
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
8:47 am
Auburnfan,
UGA has “been over-rated for the past few years”? And, yet we’ve beat Auburn for 4 straight years? What does that make you girls?
And, when I pray to God, Cam Newton doesn’t get mentioned.
Dufus.
LKK
November 11th, 2010
8:51 am
Auburn Fan–Jealous much??
Larry
November 11th, 2010
8:52 am
All I know is AUBURN stands for “Alabama Usually Beats Us Red Necks”
LZZ
November 11th, 2010
8:52 am
Guess what Auburn Fan? AU is where all students go who can’t get into UGA (guess I should include Bama in that, too)
Auburnfan
November 11th, 2010
8:53 am
OkefenokeeDawg: I never said Auburn was good for the past 4 years.. I just said Georgia has been over rated. UGA is over rated. And I am a girl. You actually got that one fact right. I’m a girl and I know more about football than half of you people writing stuff in here. So you can shove that sexist comment up your butt.
Also, people who are reporting speeding tickets.. What does that have to do about anything?? I have speeded and run red lights. You probably have to. Should we have a whole news article writted about us?
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
8:55 am
Auburn fans should get off of their high horses, ’cause this isn’t the first time Auburn has paid players, apparently. One of your former coaches said Auburn boosters routinely gave recruits, $12,000 and $15,000 to sign, back in the 90’s, even while serving on NCAA Probation!
And before you say Terry Bowden is piling on, he was quoted about this practice in 2003.
"Speeded?"
November 11th, 2010
8:56 am
Really? Wow
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
8:59 am
I don’t think the SEC, the NCAA, and now the FBI are concerned with Cam’s traffic tickets. And I have nothing against girls and I am not a sexist. That’s just a common putdown on sports blogs when someone is acting haughty.
Sorry to offend you.
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
9:02 am
And while we’re at it, Auburnfan, how is UGA “over-rated?”
Hell, we’re not even RATED! We’re 5-5 and we suck. I’ll admit it. But I don’t know anybody, or any poll who has UGA “over-rated.”
Speeded?
November 11th, 2010
9:03 am
Great Auburn edumencation there!
tjcdjc
November 11th, 2010
9:12 am
THIS is the Cam Newton that Auburn knows:
http://www.auburnvillager.com/story.html?1287594257014158
Whip Cream on Dawg Crap
November 11th, 2010
9:14 am
Glad to see my RC drinking Moon Pie eating dawgs are still at it. Latest, MSU did NOT report the incident in a timely manner.
“Due to MSU dealing with ongoing and time-consuming eligibility issues involving non-football matters in the winter and spring of 2010, the specific SEC request went unfulfilled. Some additional information was provided to the SEC during July of 2010. Once the NCAA enforcement staff became involved, Mississippi State University cooperated fully with its investigation. MSU is confident the SEC office has managed this process consistent with its established procedures and the university is committed to the conference’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with SEC and NCAA rules.”
superDawq
November 11th, 2010
9:15 am
call the police.
Richard Dawson
November 11th, 2010
9:21 am
Turkey Buzzards’ best years are when on probation. That’s the only way they win.
"Writted"? Really? Wow.
November 11th, 2010
9:22 am
Enter your comments here
$200,000 direct deposit from a Mr. Lowery
November 11th, 2010
9:24 am
“heist-man” freaking hilarious
Crumpy gets frisky in the mornings dudes
November 11th, 2010
9:29 am
I don’t blame the barners for paying their recruits.. have you ever been to Allbarn? Nothing but cow pastures, “healthy” women and 3 gas stations. Wanna go bar hopping? Errr their is only 1 bar.. the mellow mushroom. Bye bye barners nice to know ya.
Now, now ...........um FSU and NC and Clemson are in
November 11th, 2010
9:35 am
I love the SEC haters here. One scandal like this and it is off to the “I hate the SEC” races. hahah
Clemson and FSU and GT ( yes, GT for systemic sports program cheating ) and NC are now or have RECENTLY BEEN guilty of crap like this. Clemson is notorious for this type of stuff.
ACC is not the pure, brick buildings clad with ivy conference like some try to portray. NC is knee deep in stuff like this not to mention Miami and Va Tech lately. See? UVA and BC one or two others are fairly clean programs in the ACC. All Cheaters Club.
Go Dogs and Hooray for the SEC which is big boy ball.
JJ
November 11th, 2010
9:41 am
Dear Buckeye, Although I agree with a few of your comments I must remind you of the beatings your team has taken at the hands of the SEC the last few years. We do take our football to heart in the south just as you guys do at OSU. The diffrence in our conference is every game is a rivalry. The issue with Cam Newton could happen and has happend at other universities. The bottom line is if he did what they said the NCAA will find it out. The investigators at the NCAA are former CIA and FBI types.
Circus and Bread
November 11th, 2010
9:41 am
SEC==scholarships, extras & coeds
Dirty Dawg
November 11th, 2010
9:48 am
I got news for Auburn and the Newtons. Politicians can lie and deny and the media will eventually give up and move on…but this is SEC football. It’s way more important than wrong wars and economic thievery…they’ll never quit.
SEC Hater
November 11th, 2010
9:48 am
Everybody is tired of the SEC, except for 4 states. How many SEC championships does GA have in the last 20 years? You are so backwards you have to reuse team nicknames for four teams because the barbeque and sweet tea clouded your judgement. Sorry you all drink the cool aid. The SEC is so tough we can only go 5-5, hiding behind the skirt. Take your felons and start the NFL Nationwide tour. The SEC is a disgrace to college and universities in the United States.
producewiz
November 11th, 2010
9:50 am
I DON’T KNOW THE TRUTH WHAT IS GOING ON WITH CAM NEWTON.WHAT I DO KNOW IS WHY THE INVESTIGATION DIDN’T START IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR WHEN SEC HAD ALREADY BEEN NOTIFIED? AND IF HIS FATHER DID TRY AND SHOP HIM,NOT THE 1ST TIME IN COLLEGE SPORTS AND WON’T BE THE LAST.TOO BAD.
Ace
November 11th, 2010
9:51 am
UGA folks, disgusted at their own teams performance decide to trash Newton rather than focus on their own internal problems (which are often and numerous). Classless and childlike. 2 or 3 more crummy seasons for the little doggies.
Auburnfan
November 11th, 2010
9:52 am
okefenokeedawg- I’m not talking about the polls. I’m talking about how every season all the fans/georgians/some of the press etc. say how almighty UGA is going to be. And then as soon as the season starts and they start playing.. they aren’t any good. End of story. I think Auburn beats them even without Cam Newton.
OJ Simpson
November 11th, 2010
9:53 am
I think I would “FIT” nicely in the SEC as a coach or recruiter. Sincerely, Juice
Bernie Madoff
November 11th, 2010
9:55 am
I will be available to manage finances in the SEC in a couple of years……………………
Auburnfan
November 11th, 2010
9:57 am
Oh and LZZ I can get into Georgia. I have a 3.7 and made a 28 on the ACT. I am choosing to go to Auburn next year because I like it more than UGA. Honestly.
And UGA is only hard to get into because of the Hope Scholarship. Until the Hope people went to other colleges and universities out of state because Georgia isn’t that good academically.
Mojo
November 11th, 2010
9:57 am
The article failed to mention the 12 Traffic violations that preceded the laptop incident. Mullen and Meyers ( the M*M guys ) waved their magic wands and had the the charges dropped. What Judge in his right mind would drop felony charges for a guy that over a 19 month period had 12 traffic violations with some of them being criminal?
Nancy Pelosi
November 11th, 2010
10:00 am
I know it would be a step down for me, but I would be one of the best looking cheerleaders in the SEC!!!
Auburnfan
November 11th, 2010
10:06 am
Sorry I meant sped.
East Atlanta
November 11th, 2010
10:11 am
When was the last time Auburn beat Georgia? Besides, all these wins AU is racking up this year will probably be forfeited in a few years anyway. Enjoy rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.
LZZ
November 11th, 2010
10:13 am
Auburn fan…actually those numbers would have most likely NOT gotten you into UGA. Everyone finds their right place, though.
Auburnfan
November 11th, 2010
10:25 am
Nope look on Collegeboard or Naviance. Average ACT is a 26. Average GPA is about a 3.7…. I’m golden.
5150 P.O.A.D
November 11th, 2010
10:29 am
UGA fans complaining about Cam and his daddy getting money? Hershel Walker was dirt poor and Driving a BRAND NEW Somkey & the Bandit Trans Am around the UGA campus. How did that happen? I think it has something to do with the BANDIT part of that Trans Am.
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
10:31 am
“I’m talking about how every season all the fans/georgians/some of the press etc. say how almighty UGA is going to be”
************************************
Auburnfan,
Try to keep up, now.
In every sport, collegiate and professional, all teams have fans that think their team is gonna be good every year. Braves fans, Yankees fan, Cowboys fans, Raiders fans, Bama fans, Tech fans, etc. all hope for the best of their favorite teams.
The local media write about the local team, usually favorably. Why, you ask? So the local fans read their articles. Why, you ask? So the newspaper can sell advertisements, then pay the writers.
It’s what makes the world go ’round.
Broaden your horizons and you’ll see there are fanatical fans of every team, even Auburn.
Furman Bishop
November 11th, 2010
10:34 am
Richt could be the luckiest man in the world. Time will tell. But one thing is certain. If he loses to both Auburn and Tech, Newton and Nesbitt or not, he will be the UNLUCKIEST man in the world.
My name is Cameron Newton
November 11th, 2010
10:37 am
Folks…Fans, Well Wishers and Haters….
I really did not mean to commit all those traffic violations, the car that Florida provided me was just
“too much car” for me to be driving. I told my benefactor in Gainesville that I needed something that was not so powerful, but he told me if I was going to a stud qb for the Gators I needed to reflect some power. Sorry about those tickets.
Now I went to JC to get away from all the cheating scandal at UF. I was told by my “tutor” that those papers were “good papers” and I should use them. Then all of a sudden I get called into the Deans office and he told me a “hard nosed, no nonsense Prof” was out to get any football player, and he picked on me. Coach Meyer told me not to worry about it that he would “handle it” and I would be out of trouble in no time. But I know how things like that work out and Tim Tebow was the “Golden Child” at UF not me, so I packed my stuff and got gone.
My going to Auburn over Mississippi St. Oklahoma, or Tennessee had nothing to do with FACILITIES at any of the schools, it was according to my daddy “about getting paid”. Now I know my Auburn family thinks Coach Chizik knew nothing about it, but let me say he knows the whole story and he as they say with Political ads ” I approved this message” .
Just to put my Auburn fans at ease and settle this once and for all, I will play out the season, and the NCAA will need at least a year to build a case. By then I will be getting paid by the NFL and my daddy will deny deny deny and Coach Chizik will deny deny deny.
Looking forward to scoring a few Touchies on Saturday against my home state Dawgs, we are looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday on the Plains.
OkefenokeeDawg
November 11th, 2010
10:39 am
Uh oh, I just heard Jim Harbaugh is on the list of possible Cowboys head coaches.
I was hoping he would become UGA next head coach. You know, after Mark Richt begins his fulltime mission work, maybe in 2011? Hopefully.
Crumpy on a conference call dudes
November 11th, 2010
10:44 am
Crumpy frisky
MS. Bully
November 11th, 2010
10:45 am
You can buy our recruits but we will get you in the end. Cam was at last years State vs. Ole Piss game ringing a COWBELL and then a short time later changes his commitment from State to Allbarn!! Daddies greed to going to cost Allbarn!!
LZZ
November 11th, 2010
10:47 am
Auburn Fan…make sure you get your facts straight.
UGA Freshman Class Profile: Overall ACT AVERAGEfor Admitted First-Year Students: 28, Overall Average of All Enrolled First-Year Students: 3.83
You MIGHT get in.
If you want to spend your college years on the “plains” rather than Athens, that is totally your choice. There is no comparison between the two in that regard.
End of comment from here.
CrackDaddy
November 11th, 2010
10:48 am
I bet this can all be attributed to the UNC staff, planting disinformation to detract the media from the controversy surrounding their program.
Jeff
November 11th, 2010
10:48 am
Phil Steele says Auburn-Georgia game will be a 3 point game. Georgia could pull upset.
Steele has Aubun 34, Georgia 31.
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2010/Nov%2010/DBNov10.html