Cam’s the man in college football, and now he’s free to play
Yet another precinct heard from. (Rainy-day photo by M. Bradley)
BREAKING NEWS: The NCAA has ruled Cam Newton eligible. Technically the NCAA ruled him ineligible for one day and has reinstated him. Another post is upcoming.
Auburn, Ala. – The wayfaring journey of Cameron Jerrell Newton has turned for home: From College Park and Westlake High to Florida and Auburn with a Texas junior college in between, and now back to Atlanta for Saturday’s SEC championship. It should be one of the happiest stories in the history of the sport, but its hero has gone missing in plain sight.
Auburn’s coach was asked Tuesday when the best player in college football might again be made available to the media, something that hasn’t happened for two weeks. Said Gene Chizik: “I’m going to stay on the path of commenting directly on his play.”
A reporter noted that SEC rules call for every player to be available for interviews after the title game and asked if Auburn would comply with league policy. Chizik: “I’m going to stay on the path of making comments on the championship game or the previous 12 games.”
More intriguing was how often Chizik, in the course of a 33-minute briefing, mentioned his best player by name — once. (He called him “Cameron.”) Asked by this correspondent if playing such a massive game in his hometown might heighten the pressure on Newton to an unbearable level, Chizik didn’t even deploy the third-person singular, meaning “he” or “him”, in his response. He went plural, both in the first and third person, all the way.
Chizik: “We’ve had a lot of big moments to get to this point, in my opinion, as a team and individually … We’ve all kind of been here before at some point in the other games. I think that’s big for us, and I think that’s big for our players individually. I’m hoping that this would not be any different. They don’t give me any reason to believe they’ll respond differently.”
Weird. You cannot take two steps in the Loveliest Village of the Plain without hearing or seeing some mention of Cam Newton. (See the example above, photographed outside Momma Goldberg’s Deli — home of the “Pastrama Momma” — on Thach Avenue.) No serious discussion of college football can commence anywhere in these United States without lip service being paid to the irresistible Tiger quarterback. Yet it’s as if the man who coaches Newton dare not speak his name.
Given the twists in this tale, Auburn’s skittishness is understandable. Since the first ESPN report on Nov. 4 that the former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond (formerly of Valdosta) had been told it would cost serious money for Newton to play for the Bulldogs, the Tigers have awaited the next shoe dropping. Who knew Newton’s story housed more shoes than Imelda Marcos’ closet?
We’ve heard from two more MSU voices, the ex-players Kenny Rogers and Bill Bell. We’ve been informed by FoxSports.com that Newton left Florida under suspicion of cheating. We’ve heard, via Mark Winne of Channel 2 Action News, that Newton’s father Cecil has admitted to someone that he sought money from Mississippi State. The air (and airwaves) became so charged it wasn’t clear if Cam Newton would play against Georgia on Nov. 13 until he took part in the pregame Tiger Walk, leaping and shouting and high-fiving, and entered Jordan-Hare Stadium, pausing to kneel at the goalpost.
Newton was great that day, greater still against hated Alabama in Tuscaloosa last week. The Tigers trailed 24-0, won 28-27. Asked if Newton’s performance had been “one for the ages,” Chizik again took the big-picture tack: “At some point we’re going to have a chance to breathe and look back and realize how monumental that was … I don’t know how many teams in the course of history would have been able to do that.”
Win Saturday and Newton’s team will play for the BCS title in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 10. That is, however, a long way off — plenty of time for more investigative work, more allegations. Newton will surely have to break his silence when he wins the Heisman Trophy, which is announced Dec. 11, but even then the man of the year in college football is apt to remain a man of mystery.
On Tuesday, the tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen, who’s from Lassiter High in Marietta, spoke of and essentially for his quarterback. “Business as usual for Cam is basically straight goofball,” Lutzenkirchen told reporters. “He’s always joking around, always messing with everyone. That hasn’t changed at all throughout this year.”
As for Newton himself: The son of a preacher is holding his peace. Asked if the most valuable and visible Tiger was planning to address the media, a helpful Auburn staffer pointed to the entrance of the Athletic Center and said: “He’s going to walk through that door … and keep on going.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
452 comments Add your comment
AJ Green's Dad
December 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
So next time I will sell AJ’s jersey and collect the money, no harm – no foul.
Thanks for the clarification NCAA – as long as it’s not the player it’s all good.
MaJo
December 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
That’s gotta suck for all of you who were (and probably still are) sure that all of Auburn’s wins would be vacated, Auburn would go on probation, blah blah blah. Keep hating, losers.
Aubie-won-knobi
December 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
L-Dawg
“BCS & NCAA now OWN the problem.”
What problem? The NCAA has ended the investigation! Cam and AU are INNOCENT! The book is closed! Besides you leghumper – you forgot your mantra! “It’s Nick Fairley’s fault”! Live with it. You got beat and it will stay that way today, tomorrow and at your funeral!!!
Level headed
December 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Told you so. Guess ole Bradley wrote this column too early. HAHAHA. War Camn
gdawginkalamazoo
December 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Maybe we should all just forget about it. Go Gamecocks!
jarvis
December 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
I went to high school with Corky Frost’s daughter. Interestingly, she also went by Corky.
autiger83
December 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
Whhhaaaa Wahhhhaaa Wahahhaaa. You haters and whiners can go back home now. Game OVER.
the prophet
December 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
The NCAA has not ended their investigation, they have just ruled Cam eligible to play. There is more to come from this………..
BamaFans=SoreLosers
December 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Bama fans seem to forget Albert Means. They believe Auburn is guilty of the same sins – they are not. Alabama media is controlled by Bama – if there was evidence of wrongdoing, they would go after it.
End of the day, Bama fans are losers. Few have college degrees but all have pathetic lives.
Bob
December 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Thank you for clearing this up NCAA,
WAR CAM EAGLE!!
AJ Green
December 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Yall need to leave my brother by another mother alone! He ain’t done nothing wrong. And neither did his daddy. That sleezeball from MSU mucked up the whole SEC. Bond got caught and tried to take down any one he could. I just sorry I DID do something wrong. But I learned. Thank god Cam don’t got to learn! He already knew how to live by the Lord in the first place! Cam for Heisman!
Gene Cheesestick
December 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
S
Renee T
December 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Aubie, being eligible is not the same thing as having integrity. I have no problem with him playing football, I have a problem with him receiving a reward when he has shown a clear pattern of dishonestly. Cheating, stealing, etc. BTW, in case you don’t understand what the word integrity means, he is not it. Not rumors of dishonestly, being found guilty. Yes, charges were dropped only after he completed what was court ordered. The fact that it was 2 years ago does not change that. Yes, we all make mistakes but not all of us think it is ok to steal at any age. Is he really the example you think we should set for our kids?
VolunteerNation
December 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
Interesting ruling by the NCAA, opening the door for parents to try and cut deals in recruiting as long as the kid isn’t involved. Wow!!
Gene Cheesestick
December 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
SHOW ME DA MUNNY !!!!
Level headed
December 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
prophet, you really have no clue how the NCAA works, alot like Bradley. Their next stop is going to be Starkville.
the prophet's Daddy
December 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
Son. I have told you about coming out into the world and making false accusations. You are still in training and do NOT have the know how to be correct. Now get back to those clouds in your head.
Hankie Aron
December 1st, 2010
1:26 pm
I have a strong feeling that this isn’t over. Just eligibility for now is granted. Don’t start jumping up and down yet
Volz02
December 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
Volunteer Nation, I DID attend UT unlike you who probably live in one of those trailers down 411 in Vonore! Go back to your herculon lazy-boy and stop embarrassing the REAL UT grads!!
Good luck Auburn against the Gamecocks! And congratulations to Cam. Looks like he’s a sure Heisman.
the prophet
December 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
Dad! Did you hear the good news? You can sell me to play football and we won’t get in any trouble……This year
Dawgbone79
December 1st, 2010
1:28 pm
Cam already has a “proven” track record Source: Auburn QB Newton left Florida after cheating scandal – CFB http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Source-says-Newton-left-Florida-after-cheating-scandal
How does that go….? Birds of a feather……
It’s only a matter of time before the truth…the whole truth…is told. Enjoy your season and just ignore that dark cloud over your head…
DAWGBONE79
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:28 pm
How does it feel to attend the sister school in Alabama..
Scooter
December 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
Aubie in the House,
You are the type of dumbass that gives that cow college the bad name it has. Head down to Toomer’s Corner, grab a swab of that toilet paper, and wipe the crap out of your mouth. Moron!
the prophets's Daddy
December 1st, 2010
1:31 pm
Son. I didn’t want to break this to you yet. But unfortunately you took your brains after your dumb mother. She still thinks this is the first quarter of the Georgia and Bama games where Auburn was down by 21!. Well. Us adults know the real ending.
49-31!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
28-27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SuzieQ
December 1st, 2010
1:31 pm
WinderDogg
You’d have to ask a Bama fan.
Gene Cheesestick
December 1st, 2010
1:32 pm
NCAA recruit’s daddies across the nation lining up to cash in on the NCAA ruling.
Hey, it must the money!
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
Cecil’s favorite quote – “pass the plate please”
BR-ATL
December 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
Maybe now the “investigation” by the esteemed members of the sports journalism fraternity will begin to focus, rightly, on Kenny Rogers. This guy should be put under the “media” microscope about approaching MSU boosters to aid in the recruitment of players during recruiting season. Only coaches can recruit, according the Dan Mullen. Kenny Rogers basically “outed” Messrs. Bell and Bond as the boosters to see at Miss State for $$$$. For the love of Jackie Sherrill, these guys are not angels with golden wings.
Maybe the price Rogers was asking for was too rich for Bell and Bond, but Rogers knew who to call, didn’t he . . . .
Auburn, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have all said nobody asked them for money regarding Newton. Kenny Rogers is a MSU connection. He was trying to get Newton to sign with his school. The school where he has a rooting interest.
jarvis
December 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
Why do all of the trees in Georgia lean West?
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
Count Nationals Championships and coaching legends and get back with us….
Volz02
December 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
Volunteer Nation, unlike you I DID attend UT. Are you one of those meth heads living in a trailer down 411 in Vonore! I don’t know about the rest of your arm-chair friends, but I think I’ll believe the NCAA over meth induced hallucinations you’re having.
Congratulations to Auburn and Cam. Good luck with a win over the Gamecocks.
Play for Free?
December 1st, 2010
1:36 pm
If you ask most sports fans Cam might be Free To Play but that doesn’t mean He Plays For Free!
Richham
December 1st, 2010
1:36 pm
Wow so you can sell your jersey for a $1,000 and it costs you 4 games, but your dad can shop you for $100,000 and it’s no penalty at all? Haha can’t wait to watch as this blows up in the NCAA face.
Gator Mike
December 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
GO WAR EAGLE! I am pulling for AU to win the MNC.
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
Pimp my son was a big hit on MTV for a while…
Nova Roars
December 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:28 pm
How does it feel to attend the sister school in Alabama..
*************************
You tell us. I hear the accommodations at Tuscalooser’s Bryce Institute are quite nice. They perform marvelous recoveries against those suffering from 49-31.
Cam Damn Eagle
December 1st, 2010
1:39 pm
Auburn people are better than your average person. Cam is the man, and will have more than one trophy in the end. Two of them being the SEC & NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! Im just saying Awbarn scam newton, and war scam eagle all of that and holla back! Thanks!
Aubie Nation
December 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
To all you Dog and Bammer whiners out there – AU did nothing wrong – Miss St and Cam’s dad did.
Cameron Newton never knew any of his dad’s negotiations for money were taking place. That is why we are innocent.
Cam did not know what Cecil was doing behind his back. As long as it’s the dad and not the player you are free to go.
B. Scott
December 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
And yet they suspend AJ for 4 games for selling a jersey. His own jersey. Go figure.
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:41 pm
Ask USC how they are recovering after Bush…at least there will be a remedy for that…You can have Kiffin…
TrishaDishaWarEagle
December 1st, 2010
1:41 pm
WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NCAA to haters…nothing to see here…move along!
12-0 Bring on SC…To the dome!……
Volz02
December 1st, 2010
1:42 pm
Volunteer Nation, you’re an embarrassment to the Volz. Unlike you, I DID attend UT. Go back to your trailer down on 411 in Vonore. Stay in your meth-induced hallucogenic fantasy and the rest of us will comment on the true facts just revealed by the NCAA.
Congratulations to Auburn and Cam. Good luck with a win over the Gamecocks.
Paul in RDU
December 1st, 2010
1:42 pm
The NCAA, Auburn and MSU have agreed that Cecil Newton and Kenny Rodgers were shopping Cam around. Cam was declared ineligible on Monday. He has now been declared eligible – “Based on the information available to the reinstatement staff at this time, we do not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity, which led to his reinstatement”.
The full press release (link and extract below) is less than a full vindication of Auburn and Cam Newton.
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/ncaa/media+and+events/press+room/news+release+archive/2010/official+statements/20101201+cam+newton+rls
“Our members have established rules for a fair and equal recruitment of student-athletes, as well as to promote integrity in the recruiting process,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for academic and membership affairs. “In determining how a violation impacts a student-athlete’s eligibility, we must consider the young person’s responsibility. Based on the information available to the reinstatement staff at this time, we do not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity, which led to his reinstatement. From a student-athlete reinstatement perspective, Auburn University met its obligation under NCAA bylaw 14.11.1. Under this threshold, the student-athlete has not participated while ineligible.”
johnny fontane
December 1st, 2010
1:42 pm
Hey Bradley where did you go? I guess you had to wash the egg off of your face and brush the crow from your teeth. I know you are reading this. Show some guts.
DAWG
December 1st, 2010
1:42 pm
Well I sure hope the people in charge of the NCAA enjoy their new Christmas gifts from Auburn, and I bet they will be some nice ones. If anyone else had done what FIG Newton had done they would have had the hammer dropped on them. I guess that old saying is true when it comes to the money.
Anon
December 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
There’s some very, very sad people in this comments section. VERY sad. Not a single one of you should be allowed to vote or be picked for a jury. This country is freaking retarded, as evidenced here. College football fans as a whole are the lowest of the low.
Jay-Z
December 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
Cam – (Jam) Marcus Russell!. Maybe the Raiders will make him their number 1 pick.
BR-ATL
December 1st, 2010
1:44 pm
WInderDogg:
How about if I approach all 25 UGA commits for the upcoming Feb signing day and proactively offer them money? Even if they don’t accept it, I could theoretically blow up the 2011 recruiting class at UGA and get the school on probation. And I am not even a UGA alum.
This is the problem the NCAA is grappling with. If there is no proof that money changed hands, only an offer of money, how could the NCAA stop renegade boosters like me from ruining the eligibility of rival players and their schools? The key here is PROOF that money changed hands. So far, the NCAA and the FBI have not found it, despite examining bank records of the parties involved. Allegations are the easy part, PROOF has yet to surface despite a 6 week witch hunt . . .
Cecil Newton
December 1st, 2010
1:44 pm
WinderDog…… Amen Brother. ” Come on tke the money and run , wooohh,woooh woooh, Come on take the money and run “. Turn it up Pat Dye we gonna party like it’s 1985!!!!
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:45 pm
Anon – get off the board idiot…soaps are on!