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.”
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452 comments Add your comment
autiger83
December 1st, 2010
1:45 pm
Does this mean AJ Green’s jersey is worth $56 million? ($200,000 = 1 day ineligibility, Green got four weeks…)
Fire Mark Bradley
December 1st, 2010
1:46 pm
Fire Mark Bradley! Fire Mark Bradley!
Renee T
December 1st, 2010
1:46 pm
Hey Aubie Nation – I bet he didn’t know he was stealing a laptop or cheating either. Good thing he can play football and integrity means nothing.
Cecil Newton
December 1st, 2010
1:46 pm
I wonder what I can get for Cam’s jersey ? We’ll say he did’t know.
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:47 pm
Cecil, how is the new addition to the parsonage…
BR-ATL
December 1st, 2010
1:48 pm
Winderdogg:
How about responding to my post a few minutes ago? You know what I had to say makes sense.
RammerJammer84
December 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
Cam was ineligible for one day (a Monday no less)? Is that all you got NCAA, really?
Smells like a cover-up to me. What a joke.
Mindy
December 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
Man! Did anyone get that egg off of Bradley’s smug face? Cam ELIGIBLE!! OMG!! Bradley, I wish I could’ve seen your face when you were forced to add THAT tidbit to your otherwise hack job on Newton and Auburn!!
WikiLeaks
December 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
Soon we will begin our investigation as to why sCam Newton was only ruled ineligible for one day and into the whole Victoryland scandal.
spike
December 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
Well all you Philadelphia lawyers who assured me last week that Cecil’s involvement made Cam ineligible regardless sure do look like morons now. Thank goodness you’ve got your sweet sweet tears to choke down the news with.
Mindy
December 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
Hey Aubie Nation – I bet he didn’t know he was stealing a laptop or cheating either. Good thing he can play football and integrity means nothing.
Oh grow up!! Reality, although it might not gel with where you are, is that unless you have FACTS to back up your ACCUSATIONS then all you have is a bunch of men sitting around telling old men’s tales!
Someone said this…..and Someone said that……….Man that “someone” is sure a busy body!!
Aubie-won-knobi
December 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
Thanks Gator Mike. Dude we’ve read your previous posts and I, as one AU fan, appreciate the neutral position most of the Gators have shown toward the Tigers. I’m hoping AU can go all the way to bring home another Heisman and another BCS Title three years straight for the SEC!!
2008 – Florida and Tim Tebow
2009 – Alabama and Mark Ingram
2010 – Auburn and Cam Newton
BamaYankee
December 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
Spike, little did we know that the NCAA would rule that as long as the player turns a blind eye to what daddy is doing then he can get off scott free.
Let the recruiting for dollars war begin, the NCAA just opened up a can with this ruling.
I agree with you Georgia fans, that AJ Green ruling is even more of a joke in light of Cam’s one day ineligibility.
TLee
December 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
LOL…man read these posts! All the Auburn ‘Haters’…Too Funny! Its mainly coming from fans of teams Auburn has beat this season…..’Sour Grapes’?
brad kominsk
December 1st, 2010
1:55 pm
Nothing is going to come out for some time. The NCAA has to take a backseat to the federal investigation going on But, I doubt that in the end McGregor or Cam are going to care about protecting Auburn when one is trying to stay out of federal prison and the other is making millions in the NFL. I would have thought Auburn was smarter than this, if all of this sorts to be true.
He’s fun to watch play football though.
Sleeper Service
December 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
Again, I still want AU to win but perhaps you folks need to learn a bit more about the NCAA reinstatement policies before declaring things as “cleared” . I really don’t care about being beaten in a game. I do, however, care if the rules are being blatantly broken with no fear of consequences. All that aside, win it all AU and don’t feed the monster. Also, poor winners are worse than sore losers.
LizDawg
December 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
Now that contracts are being awarded to NCAA players (as long as only daddy knows), Aaron Murray needs to ask for a new one – he is worth every penny!
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
NCAA by-laws govern anyone who represents an institution, that could be a car salesman or whoever. If money does not change hands, but influence of future financial gains do…a violation has occurred.
If a party representing that player, such as his parents, takes money. A violation occurred. ex. Reggie Bush….I would say student-athletes and parents need to understand the consequences of illegal recruiting. Obviously Cecil chose to ignore and take a chance. If they can get him, they will because Cam and Auburn is on top of college football. If Auburn was 4-8, it would probably not matter and they would get away with it unless Auburn complained they didn’t get their money’s worth and who would do that….
brad kominsk
December 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
Auburns “us against the world mentatility” is making you guys stark raving crazy. It’s just football, you really shouldn’t be willing to sacrifice your’s or your institutions integrity for it.
How has Mark Bradley done anything but try to report what is coming through the media wires? Get over yourselves!
BR-ATL
December 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
RammerJammer84,
Auburn does not have any special consideration with the NCAA. We are the “bad guys”, remember? It doesn’t matter that Alabama boosters have paid money for the successful recruitment of Albert Means, Gene Jelks, Bobby Humphrey, Major Ogilivie. You have a short memory, obviously. If you think Auburn, and Auburn alone, has done something wrong here, you are a fool and probably 19 years old since you don’t have any perspective to speak of.
spike
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Shorter Georgia/Bama – “I am shocked, SHOCKED to find gambling going on in this establishment!”
Theyalldoit-'ceptVandy
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Pttttttttt…better hope they don’t get to pokin around too much. Other than Vandy, you could dig up more dirt on the eleven other (ALL OF THEM!!!) SECHEAT schools to fill in the the hole at Ground Zero. It’s been that way for decades.
Hollywould
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Renee, get off your high horse. I am sure the team you follow(if there is one) is 100% A+ character. Go watch a spelling bee. Whiners
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Brad Kominsk could not hit a curve ball..
MyTwoCents
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Get your hand out my pocket!!!!!! LOL
Only..
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
..an AU grad could really believe that Cam knew nothing of any of this. AU football will be shut down by the end of the year. NCAA is just throwing a bone to “quiet” things down for the time being.
Renee T
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Hey Mindy,, you might want to check your facts. He was arrested and found guilty, not rumors.
HottyToddy
December 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Time to open up the checkbooks and buy some better players in Oxford – just keep it on the down low and don’t let the players know.
Cecil Newton
December 1st, 2010
2:00 pm
WinderDog… Which one you talkin about ? I got a few and they are all real nice. Its good, to be, the dad of Cam$$$$$
Cecil Newton
December 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
Oh yeah, War Tigers !
brad kominsk
December 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
What I wonder about is if the Feds are involved and the elder Newton did accept money, then did he claim it on his taxes? If not, there is another potential crime in the offing. If he has to testify will he work to cover Auburn? I doubt it.
Auburn Redhead
December 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
Let me go ahead and start the conspiracy theories for the Rammer Jammers and the Leg Humpers:
SEC TITLE GAME
Pregame comments from Bama & Puppies:
“Auburn’s gonna get the beatdown. They got lucky the first time. Spurrier is ready for them. Nobody beats Spurrier”
Postgame comments from Bama & Puppies:
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP
Pregame comments from Bama & Puppies:
“The reason Auburn beat South Carolina is because the refs were paid to make sure Auburn wins. They wanted Auburn to win so they could go to the National Championship and play Oregon to bring home more money to the SEC”.
Postgame comments from Bama & Puppies:
“The reason Auburn beat Oregon is because the refs were paid by the SEC to make sure Auburn wins. The SEC has alot of money and they wanted to make sure we won 5 straight years”
There you whiners. I have completed your script for you. At least you won’t have to waste time spinning fantasies. I’ve done it for you.
You’re welcome.
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
Just let me use the one near the ocean and I will wear a orange sweater vest on game day…
brad kominsk
December 1st, 2010
2:02 pm
Winder, I know- makes you hate the Braves wouldn’t accept a trade for Jim Rice for me.
Crumpy sick but still frisky
December 1st, 2010
2:02 pm
Cam and his family are dirtier than a homeless, toothless crack head roaming the streets of Memorial Drive. Auburn is a disgrace to the SEC.
Go gamecocks… go ducks!
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
2:02 pm
hilarious..
Mike Slive
December 1st, 2010
2:03 pm
In case anyone was recruiting Cam’s dad, he’s INELIGIBLE. Was a top pastoral target, good size, good with word and the Lord.
Now where’s my check from the SEC being in the BCS championship?
Bosshog
December 1st, 2010
2:04 pm
Hehehehehehehehehehehheheheehehehhe
Y’all should have just listened to me. It’s called logic and common sense of course as we have seen from the housing crises too many people luck this.
Of course cammy cam was in the clear. all you had to do was look at the facts that were reported.
in 2010 cammy cam and his boys rode through the south demolishing all-comers. Many tried to rail road cammy, however, no one could contain that sun of a gun.
time and time again cammy cam came through to save the day.
Cammy cam is a folk hero. he is now ready to come back next year to really become a legend.
Oh my cammy
you are soooo sooo good.
God bless cammy cam and papa cam.
cammy cam scores again. TD Auburn.
where the bammers @?
hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe
brad kominsk
December 1st, 2010
2:04 pm
Actually you are wrong Redhead. I want them to win the NCAA title and hope it all comes clean to keep the SEC streak alive. But, you guys are only hurting yourselves with all your assertions. Is yours a academic school or a cheating football factory. War Eagle nation has done much more to answer that question more than anything Cam may or may not have done.
Auburn Redhead
December 1st, 2010
2:04 pm
Cam knew nothing of what Cecil was doing. Nothing. Totally oblivious.
Therefore he is innocent.
Trooper Taylor hands out free debit cards
December 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
CHOO CHOO! I hope the karma train pays a visit to the Georgia Dome this Saturday.
BamaFans=SoreLosers
December 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
This comment section proves that Bama/UGA fans are idiots.
404
December 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
S – Selling
E – Eligibility
C – Conference
Theyalldoit-'ceptVandy
December 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
WinderDogg…with H. Walker’s Trans Am (boy, bet that was sweet back in ‘80…every kid wanted one) and the ghost of Dr. Jan Kemp still lurking about (wonder how much she got to shut up?), you don’t have too much room to talk smack.
Auburn Redhead is such a cool guy
December 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
I hope to meet him and buy him a beer.
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
2:07 pm
Redhead…he told Miss State he could not come because of dad and the money…not trying to get that fiery temper up or anything..
Auburn Redhead
December 1st, 2010
2:08 pm
brad – you’re a bonehead.
The ONLY reason the FBI was involved was because of the corruption between Milton McGregor/VictoryLand and the buying of gambling/casino votes from the State of Alabama politicians. McGregor could have EASILY been a booster for Bama. His affitliation with Auburn is NOT the reason for the investigation. Now, if you REALLY want to dig deep, most of those good ole’ boys down in the Montgomery courthouse ARE Crimson Tide supporters generations DEEP! So while you THINK you know what’s going on, be careful what you wish for. Those politicians have their own booster connections in Tuscaloosa and once the FBI is done, you’re likely to see heads roll all the way from the Montgomery Capitol Courthouse and all the way to Tuscaloosa.
WinderDogg
December 1st, 2010
2:08 pm
What?? She did not shut up…that is how you have heard of her…and the Trans Am…Black – bandit style…
gcs
December 1st, 2010
2:08 pm
Alright Dads! The door is WIDE OPEN! Feel free to pimp your kids out for as much money as you can get. Just don’t tell them you are doing so and you will be okay.
.
PALADIN DEATH DEALER
December 1st, 2010
2:09 pm
Aubie in the house:
THIS JUST IN—WHEN THEY GET TO THE BOTTOM OF ALL THIS, THE NAME OF AUBURN TIGERS WILL BE CHANGED TO AUBURN CHEETAHS…..THINK THERE IS A CHANCE THIS COULD HAPPEN…..