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
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:13 pm
whythehateman- Agreed.
*No animals were harmed in the making of this message. Except DAWGS.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:14 pm
If our games our forfeited/ taken – the opposing team does NOT receive a win for that game!
cam damn....
November 18th, 2010
12:14 pm
again? WTF….there wasn’t even any foul language
Momofsportsfan
November 18th, 2010
12:14 pm
Seriously? TMZ?
Comment
November 18th, 2010
12:15 pm
Is Au really a legitimate school? They take all the UGA applicant rejects and I don’t think they have any admission standards…are they even certified?
AU friends of mine
November 18th, 2010
12:15 pm
I am a UGA grad. I grew up in Atlanta and tons and tons of my friends did go to AU. I almost did back in the day, because they offered Navy ROTC. Very happy that I went to UGA an rec’d an education there.
100% of my palss that are AU grads are obviously extremely happy with their SEC – West deal BUT ……….BUT they think where there is smoke ………….. there must be fire. Usually, when a recruiting violation takes place the school and the NCAA work it out. In this case, the FBI …………….THE FBI is involved and my AU pals are freaking out.
I suspect that more than Scam Newton is the focus of their thing. Why/ Gambling denotes shady folks and if the dog track crowd are in this ……………… then the FBI will want be also. Games can get rigged and betting and such. This thing is gonna get worse, before it is over.
FBI is involved. This is so much bigger than just offering some kid’s mom a 1988 Cadillac, which is bad enough.
We will see how it develops. AU is in deep T and they are going to be humiliated on the NATIONAL STAGE, I suspect.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:16 pm
UGA rejects attend Georgia State you D.A.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:18 pm
Dont get it confused with your farm school-UGA FANS.
Georgia Tech rejects attend UGA
drsoul
November 18th, 2010
12:18 pm
AU Fan… I truly understand your jealousy… I actually am a grad of BAMA and, yes, all of our fans are true ones…blood thick..!!! I actually count quite a few AU grads and former colleagues as friends over the years and we have shared games together… but, you would not understand all of that… it is very obvious that you are really what you accuse others of being…!!! you have clearly defined yourself…. now, yes, that is the stereotypical AU Fan and the one we love to joke about, but you bring it to reality…!!!!
Hurt Kurbstreit
November 18th, 2010
12:19 pm
Auburn fans are on a river in Egypt. The story is begining to unfold and it’s starting to look ugly. There is circumstantial evidence right now. Consider this. Even if the Miss State football program didn’t pay Cecil Newton they had boosters that were ready to pay $180,000. Reportedly, Cam wanted to go to MS to be with Dan Mullen. All of a sudden he changes and commits to Auburn? What? Cecil Newton’s church is saved from foreclosure and gets remodeled. His failing trucking business is now booming. Now the FBI is involved with a possible connection to McGregor who is a first class sleazeball and is an associate of Lowder and Rane, both of who have violated ncaa regs. The dots are starting to connect……and it don’t look good.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:20 pm
Did I just not state the same exact quote about you?
Just deliver me my pizza and be done with this, the cheese is getting cold Bama grad.
Soames
November 18th, 2010
12:22 pm
People should wait until the investigation has been completed before making any grand predictions on this affair. All I’ve seen is rumors so far. I’m sure the NCAA will expedite things given the situation.
FaithfulDawg86
November 18th, 2010
12:22 pm
I can’t figure out why so many people keep trying to compare what UGA players have done to the cesspool that is Auburn athletics. Any Georgia kid who did anything at all serious was kicked off the team!! Other violations were minor traffic related issues – driving with a suspended license in a PARKING GARAGE, not paying an old speeding ticket… really? Yeah, that’s realy scary criminal behavior folks! Our worst offense was Green selling a jersey (a broke 19 year-old was tempted by $1000, oooh, call the press, big news).
JDawg
November 18th, 2010
12:22 pm
Merry Christmas Auburn!! Happy Holidays!!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving as you choke on a Cam Bone!! Going down…………WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Downnnnnnn! Hey, you beat us fairly and square. No doubt about it. We need to reload and get our act together but…………you folks………..no reloading there………bend over auburn program……you going to the big house!!
AU Rolls
November 18th, 2010
12:23 pm
Cam knew nothing about these payments. All this false stuff is being stirred up by angry alabama fans who’s season is down the drain. AU will take it out big on alabama and blow them out in the iron bowl—mark it down–AU 37 alabama 19!
Phill the Fan
November 18th, 2010
12:23 pm
Wow..Suspend Cam?..This is the only chance Bama has at beating Auburn this year. If I were an Alabama fan,(God forbid), I would want to play Auburn at there best to save face.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:23 pm
DRSOUL-
What you have just said, is the most insanely idiotic thing I have ever heard. At no point, in your rambling incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points and may God have mercy on your soul.
Comment
November 18th, 2010
12:23 pm
AU FAN – you were one. Your application was rejected at UGA so you went to Au. I get it. Don’t get MAD. I feel sorry for you.
brad kominsk
November 18th, 2010
12:24 pm
Both of these schools (AU and Bama) problems is they are so busy trying to trump one another that they don’t see the slime gushing under their feet. This is bad, very, very bad!!!
Barners are Nuts
November 18th, 2010
12:26 pm
Okay…lets deal in facts:
1. Multiple sources come out from MSU stating that Cecil was looking for $$ for Cam’s services
2. Cam ends up at Auburn
3. Big time AU booster connected at highest levels gets indicted by Feds
4. Turns out FBI has been wiretapping this booster since early 2009
5. FBI is now, for some reason, involved with investigation of AU with NCAA
Those are pretty much indisputed. Now, if you can’t read between the lines there, then I can’t help you pry your head from the sand.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:26 pm
Hi ..”comment” – umm, you bring nothing to the table. I am positive there is an American Idol chat room waiting on a person like yourself.
robdawg08
November 18th, 2010
12:26 pm
Mark, were you watching the Auburn-Ga. game when an SEC spokesperson said that there wasn’t really anything to investigate and that they were on Auburn’s side ? I was shocked hearing that from an SEC rep. while it was still being investigated by the NCAA & FBI for that matter. If Cam’s dad tried to get pay to play from Missy State you know he got it from Auburn. The truth will come out.
I think the SEC made a big mistake in judgement before all the facts were known.
howboutthis
November 18th, 2010
12:27 pm
if the Heisman voters and BCS voters are violating Cams rights by assuming him guilty, what about The flip side of that.
Isn’t AU taking up a slot in the BCS and harboring a Heisman Candidate who is ineligible and who is denying some non-cheating school and player from getting their positions in the BCS and Heisman? After all Bush’s Heisman was revoked but that year will go without a winner.
Same with Cam and Auburn. These NCAA perps are keeping an honest team from getting what they deserve
brad kominsk
November 18th, 2010
12:28 pm
If they do get the death penalty then they may as well come back as a FBS subdivision team. Maybe by the year 2030 they will be able to beat their biggest rival, Georgia State.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:29 pm
howbouttthis- BLAH BLAH BLAH
AU deserves to be there more than any other team.
Comment
November 18th, 2010
12:29 pm
AU FAN – I am trying to help you. Your anger for UGA fans is evident. Like I said, I feel sorry for you.
Comment
November 18th, 2010
12:29 pm
Another fact: Au academics are terrible.
drsoul
November 18th, 2010
12:30 pm
AU Fan…. it is of no surprise that you did not understand my post…your ramblings this morning have confirmed your limited ability to comprehend…. also, do not apply the name of someone with which you have no identity nor relationship…. you do personify the ‘cammie’ roll quite well…
terrya
November 18th, 2010
12:30 pm
Mark thanks for yet another in the endless articles about Auburn and Cam Newton speculating on all of the horrible things that have…..wait….that may…..hold on…..that you think could have……wait….might have possibly….hmmmmmmmmmm…..thanks for another factual article about Auburn that smears the school, it’s players and its fans. Great job!!!
Cam's Cuzin
November 18th, 2010
12:30 pm
All dis sheet you be tqalkin bout aint nuttin. Homeboy Cam be hi steppin and frontin wiff all dem Auburns moneys. Cam scrate up know he da man. He dissed da Dawgs an smoked dem suckas wiff flavor. Yous Dawgs fans jus be jealous of a brotha gettin paid…
brad kominsk
November 18th, 2010
12:30 pm
Actually by then I suspect Georgia State will have developed into a Division 1 superpower. Perhaps Auburn will be able to beat West Georgia.
Tracey
November 18th, 2010
12:33 pm
They have no choice but to play him as long as they can. They are in the hunt and until the NCAA says, “Hey we have evidence” they have to stand behind him and play him. They have nothing to lose.
I’m an Alabama Fan but I can’t see that benching him now is going to make the situation any better “IF” he is guilty, which there has been no CONCRETE evidence that he is.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:33 pm
You are right, all apologies. I have no idea what has come over me- this is only football. I feel terrible, please accept my deepest apologies.
RiffRaff
November 18th, 2010
12:33 pm
The SEC wants the best team from the conference in the BCS champtionship games no matter what. Sad.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:33 pm
JUST KIDDING – Kiss my a**
TDC
November 18th, 2010
12:34 pm
To the poster who supplied the wording of the NCAA regulation 10.1 on Unethical Conduct: Thank You!
Mark Bradley, you might want to read that closely:
10.1 Unethical Conduct
Unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or former institutional staff member (e.g., coach, professor, tutor, teaching assistant, student manager, student trainer) may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(c) Knowing involvement in offering or providing a prospective or an enrolled student-athlete an improper inducement or extra benefit or improper financial aid;
If I am interpreting it correctly, it means that Cam Newton and/or a current or former Auburn staff member has to have knowing involvement in offering or providing an improper inducement to be in violation of the regulation.
Nothing that has even been rumored has implied that this happened. So, until there is proof that the above happened, why don’t you get off Cam Newton’s back and let him enjoy the fine season he is having (and which he is clearly enjoying, based on the smile on his face on Saturday, even when Auburn were losing).
If it’s found that he and Auburn violated Regulation 10.1, then they would deserve everything that the NCAA throws at them. But, until then, guys, quit fouling your own nest (the SEC) and spoiling a great story of redemption (on a par with Mike Vick’s apparent redemption with the Eagles).
Cam's Cuzin
November 18th, 2010
12:35 pm
What be’s a hognail boot anyhow ? Ole man Munson be crazy.
Ty
November 18th, 2010
12:36 pm
A = Alabama
U = Usually
B = Beats
U = Us
R = Red-
N = Necks
Color me impressed_From Duckie
November 18th, 2010
12:36 pm
It’s really gross to read all these comments. I mean you have Alabama/Georgia/SEC (from everywhere) fans making fun of Auburn fans…. when you are all related to each other. Plus none of your teams are innocent. It’s hilarious to read. ALL teams are guilty of something. Auburn has had probabtions, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, etc. It’s like you are all KKK members (come one… you know you are) ready to string this kid up without a trial. It’s really gross. Vivian Malone being stopped at the Roll Tide steps and Medgar Evers come to mind? Auburn is no angel…… by no stretch. My point is none of you are and it’s laughable. Start being nice to all y’alls kin folk….. MKay?
MR
November 18th, 2010
12:39 pm
I love it. All you dawg fans think if he is found guilty that AU forfiets those games. Not so fast my friends…the NCAA will only dissolve the wins by AU. UGA’s record will remain the same.
allinbaby
November 18th, 2010
12:39 pm
(e.g., coach, professor, tutor, teaching assistant, student manager, student trainer) may include, but is not limited to, the following:
See,it say nothing at all about a parent.you got nothing baby,NOTHING
Biff
November 18th, 2010
12:39 pm
I am not an AU fan, but I still see no story here other than somebody at maybe the Dad’s behest inquired about a pay-for-play plan that MSU said “no” to and then reported it. Good for MSU. With so many people looking at this, it’s interesting there isn’t anyone coming forward saying any money changed hands with anyone at any time. If someone comes forward with that kind of fact, then there is a story. Otherwise, all of this storm with all of its damaging speculation (and most assuredly hope in some corners) is very unfortunate for a talented and gifted 20-something young man.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
12:40 pm
A= ALWAYS
L= LYEING
A= ABOUT
B= BALL GAMES
A= AND
M= Miscellaneous
A= Accolades
Soothsayer
November 18th, 2010
12:41 pm
They call it an investigation for a reason. They are putting together a case against Newton bullet proof before they lower the boom on Auburn. The SEC is clueless. They only know what they read in the news. But the NCAA and FBI are investigating this and have witnesses and taped conversations (reportedly). The safe thing would have been to bench Cam against UGA and BAMA until a verdict was reached.But Auburn has shown arrogancy instead.
producewiz
November 18th, 2010
12:42 pm
sorry Awbunn fans, went through this under Charlei Pell in the 80s,and everyday it was something new and always worse news about the Gators.Didn’t recover un til the ole ball coach showed up.You have to go through it, take the medicine coming, and it’s coming.
Concrete Pete
November 18th, 2010
12:43 pm
To: AU FAN and the rest of you blind AU fools, ITS OVER! YOU WILL BE STRIPPED OF YOUR LEADER AND $ MAN (LOWDER), ALL HIS HENCHMEN AND COHORTS IN AND OUT OF THE SCHOOL, BOT AND ATHLETIC DEPT. YOU WILL BE GIVEN THE HARSHEST NCAA PENALTIES THIS SIDE OF THE SMU DEATH PENALTY, AND THE ONLY REASON YOU WON’T GET THAT IS YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE IN THE SEC, AND YOUR ABSENCE WOULD SCREW UP SCHEDULING AND CONF TITLE GAMES FOR THE MOST PROFITABLE AND HIGH PROFILE CONFERENCE IN THE NCAA. YOU ARE OVER!!!!!!!! YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE! DENY ALL YOU WANT!!!!!! YOUR YEARS OF BUYING PLAYERS IS OVER!!!!! YOU WILL ALL LOOK LIKE FOOLS FOR SUPPORTING THESE SCUMBAGS! YOU WILL BECOME THE LITTLE BROTHER TO YOUR NEIGHBOR, TROY STATE!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
WAR SCAM EAGLE!
BradleyISClueless
November 18th, 2010
12:43 pm
Once again, Mark Bradley know NO facts. He is simply perpetuating the rumors because you sell papers for a living, and we all know bad news sells. These media writers (aside from a few like Barnhardt) are so focused on getting a scoop, or being the first to break a story – that they lose sight that they could be impacting someone’s LIFE. Mark Bradley – you are a piece of crap journalist. You don’t report NEWS, you simply write fiction novels that will get the best ratings from your readers.
drsoul
November 18th, 2010
12:43 pm
AU Fan….I guess that you learned to spell while taking class at AU?????
By the way, son, those records are real…just nothing down on the plains to match them…
you had better get your words in, as I hear they are closing the prison down at Milledgeville, GA and
then where does that leave you????
allinbaby
November 18th, 2010
12:43 pm
Not arrogancy when you know you are clean.
Terry
November 18th, 2010
12:43 pm
CSpin, Mark Bradley gets paid to put out a column that gets people to blog, if you don’t like reading it you don’t have to, its Auburn’s time now because their the story, when one of the other football programs get in trouble he will write about them. Don’t take it so personal.