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
kren
November 18th, 2010
2:04 pm
The are guilty as SIN!!! Let the caminoes FALL!!!!!!!
gss303
November 18th, 2010
2:05 pm
NCAA/FBI
Bad News
11-0 may be 0-11
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:05 pm
Chi Town- Yes, Yes I am. And….?
JD
November 18th, 2010
2:05 pm
Did he turn around and send his son to Auburn for free? The answer could be yes. If Miss. St said no and no other schools wanted to pony up cash Auburn, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama would have been logical choices for free because the trip to see their son play is really close to College Park, which is where he is from. Remember UGA recruited him as a tight end. I don’t know the details of all the other schools that came in contact to also include Oklahoma but Auburn definitely was the better attraction for free and distance wise. They needed a quarterback really bad. I think it’s all this is true it gave an unfair advantage to Auburn because Miss. St. was the chosen school and all these other schools weren’t even in the discussion at that time. They only became players in the Cecil Newton game when Miss. St. said h*ll no. To me that should make him ineligible due to fact of the advantage given to Auburn or any other school for that matter.
The FBI doesn’t waste time nor or they in the business of wasting money. Cecil Newton, your son is an amateur athlete and you pimped him and now you better have all your facts straight to weasel out of this one. For that I say shame on you. Hopefully when this is all over you will reflect on your behavior and learn from it. I suggest you not do the Aimee Michael trick. The NCAA does not go this long and keep quiet about it for no reason. Remember investigations cost money and they aren’t going to waste it. On up to it and come clean. They may decide in the end to give your pimped out son a break and continue to allow him to play without losing out his chance for the Heisman Trophy.
For all of the neighbors, family, and friends that came forward to support Cecil Newton, to them I say, don’t be so quick to defend unless you know the facts. You just never know what people are doing in their own lives. Support him through this embarassing time, I say yes. Defend him now, I say heck no.
Ir he did get money he should use on a lawyer. I have a feeling he’s going to need one.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:06 pm
I feel sorry for Alabama fans, because when they wake up, thats the best that they are going to feel all day long. Beating Georgia State…wow.
Pot Meet Kettle
November 18th, 2010
2:07 pm
Auburn fans using the word “thug” when talking about other schools. Now THAT is funny.
Boise Fan
November 18th, 2010
2:07 pm
Hey Auburn Cheaters,
Tell Scam & Dirty Fairley,
THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU for giving me an earily CHRISTMAS GIFT. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HERE WE COME & by the way we have the BEST QB IN COUNTRY(K. MOORE). He will be playing in the NFL before SCAM..Our guy Moore will be the next Matt Ryan & Scam will be thew next J. RUSSELL & our guy Moore plays for the LOVE OF THE GAME & he believes that the name on the front of his jersey is a whole lot more important then the name on back of his jersey.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:08 pm
Alabama fans using the word “and” …. impressive. Very impressive.
brad kominsk
November 18th, 2010
2:09 pm
War Illegal!
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:11 pm
BOISE FAN- you will never be recognized. May as well join CONFERENCE USA and just whip up on those boys too- you play NOBODY! You cannot ever stake claim if you will not play a S.E.C. TEAM, and that goes for any S.E.C. ( other than Vandy )
Comment
November 18th, 2010
2:11 pm
even Boise State fans getting in on the act…LOL
chainz
November 18th, 2010
2:14 pm
Boise Fan…..isn’t it awesome….BSU and Oregon in the national title game…….. will be even sweeter when AU fans are watching Bama, UGA, USC, FLA, LSU, and the hawgs All Play in bowl games while they sit in DENIAL……fools all of you..FOOLS I SAY
Chi Town
November 18th, 2010
2:14 pm
Well, guess it’s time to get back to work so I can pay for AU FAN to sit at home all day in his mom’s basement and collect unemployment.
My guess would be he is 43 yrs old, bald, about 280, and thinks it’s cool to light toilet paper on fire in a tree down at the Barn.
Thinks the metropolis of Opelika is actually a big city and jerks off to pictures of Cam while his mommy cooks dinner for him.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:15 pm
Which I find utterly ridiculous. I will back up Alabama UGA, even Florida before I even blink at a Boise State team competing for a Title. Play S.E.C. and you will find out what pain is. As you very well can see, the fans rip each other apart- but we all back S.E.C.
chainz
November 18th, 2010
2:16 pm
AU Fan your back….. get that lunch crowd handled… I need more sweet tea whne you get those tables cleared….
Crumpy
November 18th, 2010
2:16 pm
AU FAN = OWNED
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:16 pm
“ma – more meatloaf”
yjackets2001
November 18th, 2010
2:17 pm
Character is not developed , it is presented by the actions of the person. Auburn knew the revelations of Newton’s character, didn’t care, just wanted wins. Florida, who goes as far as possible to salvage bad character guys, gave up on Newton. There will be long term damage to Auburn. I truly feel Auburn did not violate any NCAA or ethical rules, but their motive was purly selfish.. Might as well go with him now and hope this thing gets washed away. My guess, bad news on the horizon for this year’s Auburn football results!
Stacy
November 18th, 2010
2:18 pm
Thanks for spicing up old reports with your conjecture that Auburn must have paid him. Let’s be honest; you don’t know what happened, the fastest tweeters in the country don’t know what happened and all of the bloggers in the world don’t know what happened. Interesting, though, that no one seems to be anxious to blame anything on the middlemen that bring deals to the table and keep them alive for months. Rogers, Bond, Bell and a recruitment team that continued their efforts months after two former MSU players and a booster sounded the alarm? No so fast, my friend, indeed.
Dawg Fan
November 18th, 2010
2:18 pm
Wow, after reading that link to tigerdroppings there really seems to be some bad things heading Auburn’s way. I had no idea how deep this wormhole went. I am really starting to feel sorry for their stupidity to think they could actually get away with all of this. The death penalty for SMU will be nothing compared to this…I’m talking some folks that are already in jail will be joined by others from Auburn..This is really terrible…..
patrick
November 18th, 2010
2:19 pm
Wareagle….rivalries or not…..cheaters on this level is not welcome. You simply CAN’T PAY A PLAYER. Then ur a pro team playing in the wrong arena
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:19 pm
I think Cam looks sexy in his warm up suit before games.
I also think Trooper Taylor is the best. I liked it when he was shucking and jiving with Fairley after he put Murray out of the game.
Waaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwww Eagle!!!
Crumpy frisky on his birthday dudes
November 18th, 2010
2:20 pm
To heck with the barn. They signed this punk and let him play. Enjoy the death penalty stinking barners.
Chi Town
November 18th, 2010
2:21 pm
Looks like AU FAN has finally came out of the closet.
Congrats, AU FAN!
Now get back in that cafeteria and bake some more cookies for the dinner crowd.
disGustedfAn
November 18th, 2010
2:21 pm
I remember a day when college football meant something. It stood for Integrity, Honor, Disipline, & Respect. As for coaches, it has always been thier RESPONSIBILITY to teach this to the students. A coach like Shizick is a disgrace to the honor that use to be associated with the game. He is quite simply a “fan” coach. Doesn’t care about his honor, his players, or his integrity as a coach to teach the kids what they began the game to learn in the first place. A disgusting & dirty game played against UGA last week proves this fact. Yes, I am a dawg fan, but I have much respect for great coaches such as Spurriur, Saban, & yes Richt belongs on this list. Many more to list, these are simply 3 that come to mind as being “real” coaches. None of these coaches would have allowed thier players to play as Auburn did last week.
The so called “fans” will always be out of control. There is no way to teach morals to everyone, but when a coach lets that ignorance leak onto the field, it’s time to replace that coach. Shizick will only open the door for more unlawful & disgraceful coaches to get into the game; ultimately ruining the great sport of college football as we know it to always have been in the past.
As far as the “fans” attacking Georgia; that is like someone looking into the mirror & calling themselves names. Both UGA & Auburn are, & always have been one school divided by a state line. They both have the same history of honor & integrity. Both schools have an almost identical campus, as well as identical top degrees. The only difference as of now is the integrity of the coaches they hold. In that respect UGA has the upper hand for now, but I do have respect for Auburn & know they will replace Schizick, & in the process, thier integrity. After all, these are the aspects that have always defined college football, & are the corner stones for which it was created.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:22 pm
I was just reading Revelations, that seems pretty harsh too but nothing it says has yet to happen.
Cry baby cry
November 18th, 2010
2:22 pm
Mark you right..not so fast. You still have no PROOF..Just he said.. they said… and newton didn’t say a word. I had a man offer me $300 for my dog but I didn’t sell it and gave it to my friend. So my friend must have offered me more money? hahaha… He may be guility but so-far no proof.
The sad part of this story is so many people want Cam to be guilty and thats 98% of UGA fans and the schools that didn’t get him. WONDER WHY? Like I said he may be guility but I don’t hope he is. I pray he’s not and I’m not a Auburn fan. I just believe in Innocent till proven guility.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:23 pm
Chi- Town Chicago Huh? Don’t you have someone you can go blow, rather than post things under my name?
Nachos aka the "Living Legend"
November 18th, 2010
2:23 pm
Well well well….
whats up AU FAN????
Aubie-won-knobi
November 18th, 2010
2:23 pm
Thanks for support Gator Mike. I have always supported SEC and our rivals for the good of the conference. AU fans are not happy about any of this but what to do? All we can do is play ball for now until someone tells us otherwise and support our team. Everyone forgets that AU has an entire team of boys who have nothing to do with this but are suffering consequences of the firing squad. The hate from Bama and Dawg fans is not surprising as they enjoy hating on someone every year. Well one thing Gators can thank us for, we’re taken the hate off you and placed it on ourselves.
droopydawg
November 18th, 2010
2:23 pm
Cheaters never prosper.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:23 pm
Help, Legend…
Bob
November 18th, 2010
2:24 pm
The reason the FBI are involved is because extortion is a federal crime.
War eagle you hatin dawgs!!
Cecil
November 18th, 2010
2:24 pm
My boy is headed to the NFL next year why you suckas get to eat crow-eagle. $200k?? Next year Cammy signs for as much as I want…..
Chi Town
November 18th, 2010
2:26 pm
I think Cam looks sexy in his warm up suit before games.
I also think Trooper Taylor is the best. I liked it when he was shucking and jiving with Fairley after he put Murray out of the game.
Waaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwww Eagle!!!
Nachos aka the "Living Legend"
November 18th, 2010
2:27 pm
AU Fan – I bet you look super slim in that orange “AU” t-shirt don’t ya pal?
I can’t wait to watch your fat @ss cry a week from tomorrow after ALABAMA ruins your perfect season*…..
And.. I can’t wait to watch your fat @ss cry next year when the NCAA slaps your cheating program with the death penalty….
You could always become a Troy fan douche bag.
ALL IN !!!!!!!!!!!!
Chi Town
November 18th, 2010
2:27 pm
Looks like Chi Town has finally came out of the closet.
Congrats, Chi Town!
Now get back in that cafeteria and bake some more cookies for the dinner crowd.
See how easy that was??
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:29 pm
LEGEND, YOUR “BOY” Mcelroy couldn’t hold a dish towel for CAM in a hotel. Overrated, just like your whole team is… Alabama sucks, your team suck, fans suck and when you refer to “ALL IN” you’re talking to your brother from behind . you hick.
Nachos aka the 'Living Legend"
November 18th, 2010
2:32 pm
They may suck BUT at least we will have a team next year. And the year after that.
yjackets2001
November 18th, 2010
2:32 pm
AU Fan: Revelations has not happened yet, but it will and you better be ready, not only for your soul but for your Auburn Football Future!
Aubie-won-knobi
November 18th, 2010
2:34 pm
AU FAN…you’re absolutely correct except for one thing: It’s McGINGER – NOT McElroy.
Jim S
November 18th, 2010
2:34 pm
Mark, do you think you will ever go back to writing articles based upon FACT rather than rumor and allegations? Auburn folks would greatly appreciate that. After all, you and other members of what’s called “yellow journalists” have proven that you will write a story about anything regardless of whether it’s factual or not. To this point, Auburn has been ACCUSED or NOTHING and NOTHING has been proven, and yet you imply guilt on their part. What a tragedy for real journalists who deal with factual sources and facts rather than rumor and lies. Oh well, since you are in Georgia (where your players chop block and then cry when retaliation comes) lies probably mean little to you.
chainz
November 18th, 2010
2:35 pm
AU fan is some waitress at the truckstop on I85…..More sweet tea darlin……
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:36 pm
As in everything, proof that this will happen needs to exist, first! Like all things in life, you got to have something tangible.
Aubie-won-knobi
November 18th, 2010
2:36 pm
Nachos – A Living Representative for TACO BELL. Hurry up and get those burritos wrapped. I’m starving.
Tiger fan
November 18th, 2010
2:37 pm
disgustedfan@2:21.
How long have you know Shizick? How many times have you talk to Shizick? Have you ever had a meeeting with the coach? I bet my life all you know about him is the crap you read on the blog and what you heard at the game last week.
See this is what happens when ajc and others get on blogs and cut people down and don’t even know them. You need to get a life. Coach Shizick has done nothing for you to belittle him. You need to look at yourself are look at some of your dawgs that have had problem. Better yet take a lesson from your own coach…the golden rule.
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:37 pm
Ginger is right, in all aspects. Ginger hair, treat him gingerly…etc. etc.
chainz
November 18th, 2010
2:38 pm
Like your apron and refill pitcher…..more sweet tea…… your ruining something tangible…..YOUR TIP>>>>>
AU FAN
November 18th, 2010
2:39 pm
Chainz- do you notice how I make no comment to you, you are irrelevant.
Nachos aka the 'Living Legend"
November 18th, 2010
2:39 pm
Aubie-won-knobi – what a witty post! How long it take you to come up with that?
Your not in my league loser, step off.