Cam Newton and Auburn in the clear? Not so fast, my friend
Just because Auburn chose to play Cam Newton against Georgia doesn’t mean Auburn or Newton is safe. The NCAA doesn’t work that way. The NCAA gears, such as they are, grind slowly. The NCAA has only begun to sniff around.
Phillip Marshall of Auburn Undercover reported Saturday that the Newtons and Auburn administrators met with NCAA representatives last Thursday. (Link requires registration.) That the school chose to play Newton has been taken by some as an indication that the NCAA has nothing on Auburn. That’s not necessarily true. The NCAA might have nothing on Auburn yet. But by now its investigators have, or should have, a growing indication that this player was put up for sale at least once.
ESPN.com reported yesterday that another Mississippi State former player, the Florida businessman Bob Bell, essentially confirmed the story Kenny Rogers told on ESPN 103.3 Dallas last week and even added a detail: There was a payment schedule for Newton – $80,000 on his commitment to State, $50,000 one month later and $50,000 more a month after that.
From ESPN’s latest report: “Bell said Cecil Newton [Cam's father] never specifically asked him for money, but that Newton was present during three-way calls in which Rogers discussed a pay-for-play scheme.”
Again, none of the former Mississippi State players — Bell, Rogers or John Bond, who was the first to go public — has implicated Auburn. But here again we ask the only logical question: If Cecil Newton wanted $180,000 from Mississippi State, did he really turn around and send his son to another SEC school for free?
And the NCAA isn’t the only investigative body at work. From a TMZ report yesterday:
According to sources connected to the probe … FBI agents looking into the Newton recruiting controversy are also asking about Milton McGregor — a dog track owner arrested last month for allegedly bribing Alabama politicians to vote pro gambling.
We’re told agents asked someone connected to the Newton case if he was familiar with McGregor or the bribery scandal.
McGregor is an Auburn booster and an associate of the infamous former banker Bobby Lowder. McGregor owns VictoryLand, a dog track located just down I-85 from Auburn. Message boards have been buzzing about a possible Newton/McGregor link for the past week, but this is the first real report of any possible connection.
It’s unclear why the FBI would care about Cam Newton, but anytime the Feds get involved, however tangentially, the pace of an investigation accelerates. (Reportedly the McGregor case involves a wiretap.) The FBI, unlike the NCAA, has subpoena power. The FBI, unlike the NCAA, has the means to put somebody in jail for something.
Last week was a wild week regarding Newton. This week has been quieter, which is understandable. Auburn doesn’t play again until the day after Thanksgiving. Then it faces Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and that is, as you might have heard, a fairly big game. Then it comes here to play South Carolina for the SEC title. We are, you can be assured, going to hear much, much more about this surpassingly strange saga.
(Oh, and speaking of Cam Newton … a talented artist named MoonPie has re-imagined “Son of a Preacher Man” to fit these latest happenings. Take a look/listen. You’ll be glad you did.)
– Mark Bradley
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526 comments Add your comment
John McCain
November 18th, 2010
11:12 am
Why isn’t the FBI investigating all the illegal immigrants in the country?
Not Disappointed!
November 18th, 2010
11:12 am
I personally don’t like Auburn, but I believe in being fair. I don’t see anything happening to Cam Newton in the near future. It’s all spin so far! The FBI or any federal investigation can take years. They have a saying, “You may be smarter than us, but we are thorough.” The rest is just a conversation piece for now.
But, we shall see…….. “Have a good weekend all!”
fishtales
November 18th, 2010
11:14 am
Maybe if you minded your own shop a little more instead of worrying about what BAMMER’s doing you wouldn’t be all over every major media outlet in the country.
Miguel
November 18th, 2010
11:14 am
You know Mark….when is someone going to ask the obvious questions: what were agents, who presumably either directly or indirectly were representing Miss St., doing contacting Cam Newton or his father, and discussing money? What is their real motive? The problem in college sports is not the players, most of which come from struggling families, but rather the agents hoping to cash in on a huge wind fall of cash.
Tweets that mention Are Cam Newton and Auburn in the clear? Not so fast, my friend | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
November 18th, 2010
11:14 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, Reginald Eller and David, Kim Bannerman. Kim Bannerman said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: Are #Cam Newton and #Auburn in the clear? Not so fast, my friend. http://bit.ly/cS448Q [...]
TBone
November 18th, 2010
11:14 am
@ Auburnfan
why does UGA care so much? We beat you. Get over it. Unless you are in the SEC west or South Carolina you really don’t have any reason to complain.
I’ll tell you why the whole of the SEC better care; it’s like your brother pulled some dumba$$ stunt which is going to impact and embarrass the whole fam damily. AU may have had a good season but at whose expense. Those schools in the conference took their a$$ whippin’ and accepted it so beat your chest too hard.
@ Auburnfan
Barner Forever
November 18th, 2010
11:14 am
I am personally shocked though. Looking back on Cam’s history, I can see no indications of shady character.
Heck, me neither! When I looked at that Alachua County sheriff’s Web site and saw 11 traffic charges and a felony charge listed for a “C. Newton,” I figured it must be some ne’er-do-well, not our Cameron Newton. And the stolen laptop? Heck, somebody must be confused. And those stories about turning in another student’s paper and putting his name on it, followed by a story about turning in a paper purchased on the Internet—well, must be some Auburn hater’s spite.
Nope, Cam Newton’s pure as the driven snow.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
11:15 am
By that count “fishtales” this is what will happen-
AUBURN came through the football season, whipped everyone that stood before us. They can take all the games back, they cannot take the memories and the knowledge that we beat everyone out there that we played hands down , so in true “Bammer” style we will then claim another title regardless of what record books show – we just claim it because we want to.
Auburnfan
November 18th, 2010
11:16 am
@ concrete pete. Im not sure if he is innocent. But he is innocent until proven guilty. So unless they find complete evidence that this is true then nothing is going to happen to Auburn or Cam Newton. And the campus is not depressing. Also why would anyone want to play for UT?? They are horrible. Now that campus is depressing.
NewnanDawg
November 18th, 2010
11:16 am
I might buy one of those “I heart Cam” shirts for myself. This is quite entertaining.
Dawg Fud
November 18th, 2010
11:16 am
Do i think Chizick knew? I am not sure. Is Cam innocent until proved otherwise? Yes, he is supposed to be.
This whole situation is awful for Auburn, Miss St, the SEC and college football.
There are no winners here.
fishtales
November 18th, 2010
11:17 am
You mean like the rings and parade in 2004? That was great. I hope ya’ll have another moral victory parade again this year. Maybe you could sing “Lean on Me” again?
D310NJAXON
November 18th, 2010
11:18 am
“I’m just Cam Newton” http://www.cam2newton.com
Confused
November 18th, 2010
11:18 am
I think the reason I dislike Cam Newton can be summed up by the picture at the top of the page. He is SO egotistical, that it is sickening. I’m surprised that Chizik hasn’t said something to him about flaunting himself around like he’s the second coming. There isn’t another team who has a player that does this, thank goodness. The blowing kisses makes him look weird, also. Yuck!!!
Understanding Atlanta
November 18th, 2010
11:18 am
Question – So if Cam’s dad was involved without Cam’s knowledge he’s still ineligible?
What’s to protect a player from over zealous parents or relatives if that’s the case?
Da Point
November 18th, 2010
11:19 am
Who really thinks UGA or any major program doesn’t have players receiving money? How do you think a kid can declare for the NFL after the bowl game and have signed with an agent in less than a week? They already have relationships with that agents “representatives”.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
11:20 am
Have another Yella Hammer and we will see Nick Fairley destroy Mcelroy next week as well as Cam embarrassing your team and coach. Hope you all get pats on the ass like Saban is doing now.
drsoul
November 18th, 2010
11:20 am
The apple does not fall far from the tree… Daddy Newtie may have opened the deal, but I would bet that cammie was privy to it all… let’s see: cheating, buying stolen property…???? mysterious exit and to a ‘JUCO’ at that… the bad seeds are there… it is a shame, what with the potential in the pros, that he would only ask for such a small amount to potentially screw up his team mates in the end..
oops, I mentioned ‘team mates’..??? when it comes to money underhanded ways, ‘team’ is not part of the vocabulary…
speak in ‘inbreeding’…sounds like AU Fan and BossHog are direct products of that….but, hey, you have to be certified to be a ‘wareagle’…!!!!
What??
November 18th, 2010
11:21 am
@wareagle
Who wants u out of the SEC? That’s just plain stupid. But, what if you are wrong and this kid and his family brings the Auburn house of cards down and down hard. You would have to have blinders on with all that is coming out and with a history of shady boosters not to be VERY concerned.
D310NJAXON
November 18th, 2010
11:21 am
@Understaning Atlanta — No, He is eligible to play if he didn’t know pops was talking to those clowns.
Tweets that mention Are Cam Newton and Auburn in the clear? Not so fast, my friend | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
November 18th, 2010
11:22 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark , Jon_Lewis, John Langshore, Bohdan , Tracy Wolfson and others. Tracy Wolfson said: Good recap of latest Cam news. RT @AUTigerWire: http://bit.ly/cOapRP [...]
Sam (ATL)
November 18th, 2010
11:22 am
The tigerdroppings link reads like a Grisham novel! make it a movie already!
fishtales
November 18th, 2010
11:22 am
Hey…it could happen. Auburn has a good team. It’s just a shame that when you finally do have a good team you still think “those meddling Bammers” are out to get you.
Nick Fairley wears pink boxers
November 18th, 2010
11:22 am
What does tangentially mean???
Top Dawg
November 18th, 2010
11:23 am
Look, the facts as we pretty much know them to be true:
1) Cam Newton received stolen property at FL (knowingly)- Makes him a thief in my book
2) Caught cheating 3 times and faced expulsion
3) Supposedly Miss St. was his first choice in transfer
4) Kenny Rogers/Cecil Newton solicited mega bucks from MS State. They did not bite. Still major NCAA violation that will make Newton inelgible to play for any school.
5) Auburn acknowledges that they were aware of this before the season
6) Auburn on probation 5 times in the past?
Now, who in their right mind can honestly believe that the same payment plan was not solicited from AU? He didn’t go to MS St because they refused to pay. Cecil Newton was obviously determined that wherever Cam went he was going to receive compensation. Do you honestly think that son was not involved in the conversations with Dad? Dad, I want to go to MS State. Dad, no you can’t go there ’cause they won’t pay. Dad- let me handle this son. You can rest assured that there is “Fire” here and the FBI will blow this one open. No sweeping this under the rug.
Auburnfan
November 18th, 2010
11:23 am
@ Tbone- Chill out. It is football. Whats done is done. I said UGA shouldn’t care because they never even had a shot at winning the national title and they were trying to win the SEC east not west. If Cam Newton is guilty, then Auburn will have to deal with that.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
11:24 am
DrSoul – you need to refill your prescription, your glaucoma is acting up if you haven’t been watching AU crush everyone in their path. Unfortunate that we have to keep reminding you that we are the # 1 team in the SEC by a landslide. Untouchable, you have to sleep knowing that. It bothers you, it crawls your skin and we will make sure that you know it for the next full year. WAR EAGLE
Jeff
November 18th, 2010
11:24 am
Until there are FACTS in the case, it’s all rumors and hear-say. Some people just can’t wait to see Auburn fail…
As for Cam Newton cheating at Florida – the university says he was never under investigation.
The stolen laptop – he bought it, didn’t steal it.
GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!
AUBURN "Where We Pay To Play"
November 18th, 2010
11:24 am
People
Cam did not know this was going on
Im mean come on he is innocent here, how was he suppose to know his daddy was selling him to the highest bidder
Just like he didnt know the laptop was stolen
He didnt even know he was cheating on a test
Come on cut Auburn and Cam some slack we are innocent people
robdawg
November 18th, 2010
11:25 am
The real reason this should be cleared up before the bowl season is so the correct teams wind up playing for the nat title. If Cam is clean & AU wins out, then obviously they should be in the game, If Cam is dirty, then the next two best teams need to be there. BSU or TCU should not get screwed out of the opportunity and then 2 months later the NCAA comes out and nails Auburn. Too late then. This should be the NCAA’s top priority to make sure the case is settled and therefore the right teams are in the big game. If we have to live with flawed BCS at least lets have the two most qualified, clean teams in the game.
Cameron Newton
November 18th, 2010
11:25 am
Guys, I have a perfectly good reason why Cam decided to go with Auburn:
He grew very accustomed to orange jumpsuits.
See? no scandal here, Move along.
chainz
November 18th, 2010
11:25 am
the whole wartigereagle whatever they go by are in such denial….. Wonder what they will name the stadium after Dyes’ name gets burned off the campus…. I say Bryant Field would be awesome…… Or Victoryland…Oh sorry thats money laundering division…..LMAO….. Now STFU…..
Grow up
November 18th, 2010
11:26 am
Unless facts are presented, why don’t all you haters and rumor spreaders shut the he11 up?
Remember, this is America.
SECWasteManagement
November 18th, 2010
11:27 am
Dueces to the useless Auburn. Hit the bench! That Tiger Droppings article is awesome.
SECWasteManagement
November 18th, 2010
11:27 am
Deuces
Grow up
November 18th, 2010
11:27 am
Hey Jeff – you’re the only other intelligent guy on here!
Top Dawg
November 18th, 2010
11:28 am
Dude, The facts are being presented dumb butt. You are just ignoring the facts. Bottom line is that I have always liked AU outside of UGA. I just hate Damn cheaters period.
SECWasteManagement
November 18th, 2010
11:28 am
He went to Westlake in College Park. Enough said.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
11:29 am
CHAINZ , ignorance at it’s best.
SEE PEOPLE ( Perfect example of those backwoods hick Bammers ) how is minimum wage treating you these days? Food on the table, having trouble making ends meet? UH-OH Christmas is right around the corner, better run down to PAY-DAY ADVANCE!
Rick
November 18th, 2010
11:30 am
I guess I’m a little confused why folks keep posting the TigerDroppings link. Read the post, folks. There are more inaccuracies and assumptions in that soap opera than the original story posted by ESPN. And how do you lend any credence to a story about Auburn when the sources are Alabama sites and bloggers?
Some important points: MSU is not and should never been in the clear. It’s been no secret that MSU boosters met with Cecil Newton about Cam’s recruitment. That in itself is a clear violation of NCAA rules. ONLY coaches are allowed to recruit. Period. End of story. For Bell, Bond or Rogers to be involved is illegal, no matter whether money swapped hands or not.
Second, I keep wondering how Florida and Urban Meyer have suddenly disappeared from this discussion. When this story surfaced, only one school had anything to gain and that was Florida. At that time, they still had a chance to get to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. And you can bet your last dime that Meyer did NOT want to face Cam Newton.
Third: At no point has Auburn, nor Cam Newton, been implicated in any wrong doing. Cecil Newton? Yes. Cam and Auburn? No.
Fourth: TMZ.com. Really? REALLY? SERIOUSLY???
Fifth: College sports has become a circus of “guilty until proven innocent.” Cases for that fact are numerous over the last 5 years.
Sixth: Why wouldn’t Auburn play Cam? When the story broke, the school had just two regular season games remaining. If — and that’s a big IF — sanctions eventually come down against Auburn, they’re no better off with him on the bench. If there are no sanctions and they had sat him, they would have likely given up some wins. It’s a damned if you do and damned if you don’t situation.
Seventh: We know about Kenny Rogers questionable reputation and his penchant for changing his story with the wind. Somebody needs to look at Bill Bell’s reputation. (hint hint)
auburnnatchamps
November 18th, 2010
11:30 am
Not the SEC or the NCAA can sit Cam down!! Understand the ONLY person that can do that is Auburn’s president.Now there is a FACT!!!!!!!!!!!
DawginLex
November 18th, 2010
11:31 am
gordon,
Look up the word “unprecedented” in the dictionary.
I know that normally the wins would be vacated.
That is why I said unprecedented. do it now during the season and reverse the wins into losses and determine the SEC West champion on the field.
do it now.
Unprecedented
chainz
November 18th, 2010
11:33 am
That means between Jeff and Grow up….the combined IQ……-2….lmao…denial…not a river in Egypt
Millertime
November 18th, 2010
11:35 am
Its gonna suck for the SEC if Auburn does win out then vacates wins hence giving the National Championship to another conference.
Annoyed
November 18th, 2010
11:35 am
The only thing that could eclipse Scam, Chizzy, and Co. being sanctioned is if Alabama high/lows that bum Fairely (a character guy per coach “chizzy”) and blows one of his knees out…”Warm D*mn Beagle”
Falcsfan10
November 18th, 2010
11:35 am
The SEC should be penalized as well for siding with Auburn on Cam’s deal before knowing the facts. But they come out with a statement supporting Newton’s & Auburn’s side already.
Dawglasville
November 18th, 2010
11:37 am
If Auburn is guilty, I hope they are not, but if they are I for one will be real bitter about losing that game. UGA runs one of the top 5 most profitable athletic departments in the nation. If we could all pay for players I’m sure we could improve our program pretty quick.
AUBURN "Where We Pay To Play"
November 18th, 2010
11:37 am
We did not cheat
Every player deserves to be paid, now is a great time to start
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
11:37 am
Annoyed-
Not happening- Fairley will destroy your little ginger headed puff cake Mceleroy. Destroy.
ALABAMA BEAT DOWN
November 18th, 2010
11:39 am
Doesnt matter
We are going to win whether Newton gets a bonus check or not
Big Brother will teach little brother a lesson next week that cheaters never beat big brother
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
ROLE TIDE