Yet another Auburn allegation might again amount to little
Those waiting for someone to take the crystal from Nick Fairley shouldn't hold thy breath. (AP photo)
The SEC breaks down thusly: There’s Auburn, which is feeling good about itself, and there are fans of the 11 other schools who are convinced the Tigers’ BCS title was ill-gotten. For Auburn folks, shrugging off the latest report of wrongdoing has become standard operating procedure. For fans of those 11 other schools, any new nugget offers yet another reason to shout, “See? Told you!”
Fans of the other 11, here’s your latest cue.
SportsByBrooks reported Tuesday that former player Stanley McClover has told “HBO Real Sports” that he received money while enrolled at Auburn from a Tiger assistant coach. (SBB doesn’t name the assistant coach but says McClover will. SBB also notes the assistant coach no longer works at Auburn.)
This wouldn’t seem to endanger the 2010 BCS title, given that McClover left Auburn in January 2006. Cam Newton was in high school, and coach Gene Chizik had just helped Texas win the 2005 BCS title as defensive coordinator. And there’s ordinarily a four-year NCAA statute of limitations. But SBB believes a pay-for-play charge “may leave the door open for the NCAA to pursue an allegation made after the standard four-year period has expired.”
Then again, we were just given cause to see that the NCAA’s punitive power can be rather puny. Jim Calhoun, the winner of two national championships, was slapped by the NCAA for “failing to create an atmosphere of compliance.” Put more simply, the UConn Huskies broke various recruiting rules (regarding phone calls, text messages and inducements) and the Hall of Fame coach stood benignly by. This would seem a huge deal, would it not?
UConn’s penalty: Some lost scholarships, some recruiting restrictions, a three-game suspension for Calhoun in Big East play next season … but no ban on postseason play.
And get this: Calhoun was upset by the severity of the penalty.
Sometimes we regard the NCAA investigative crew as the Scotland Yard of sports, but something has to drop in its lap — the UConn investigation was spawned by a Yahoo! Sports report — for the hounds to be loosed. And even then the NCAA is often unable to find concrete evidence. (That’s because wrongdoers are pretty good at concealing their tracks, and the NCAA lacks subpoena power over private citizens.)
Bruce Pearl lied to NCAA investigators and is still coaching Tennessee basketball. Yes, he was suspended eight league games by the SEC — the conference-wide joke was that Mike Slive had to make somebody pay for Cecil Newton’s sins — but he’s still employed. Calhoun has to sit out three games, but he gets to keep coaching his program and taking it to NCAA tournaments.
For all the smoke in collegiate sports – has there ever been more smoke than there was surrounding Auburn in November? — the NCAA doesn’t often find a three-alarm fire. (Remember, Georgia received no postseason ban from the NCAA after its investigation into the Harricks and Tony Cole.) Even as they look forward to the day when something is made to stick against Auburn, fans of those 11 other schools need to know this:
There’s a chance nothing ever will stick. (There’s also the chance Auburn did nothing wrong.) There’s a chance — a pretty good one — that 2015 will arrive and the Tigers will still be 2010 national champs.
By Mark Bradley
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409 comments Add your comment
Bull
February 23rd, 2011
12:40 am
proud
Swarles Barkley
February 23rd, 2011
12:40 am
The evidence is logical and based on circumstance.
1. Cecil made his choice for him.
2. It’s known Cecil solicited at other schools
3. Cam Newton quoted saying money was too good
4. Cam wanted to go to Miss State, but Cecil chose Auburn once Miss State said no about the money
And by the way, I can’t speak for other people, but I’m not jealous of Auburn. I was not jealous of Alabama in 2009 or any of the previous winners. I’m all about cracking down on rule breaking. And the NCAA just let a huge opportunity go to waste to demonstrate that this behavior is not tolerated. Cam Newton not knowing his dad solicited is the bases for his eligibility. That is irrefutable. The notion that he did not know is laughable and hard to believe for everyone who isn’t an Auburn fan. The problem is that you cannot prove knowledge. It is impossible to go into Cam Newton’s mind and say he knew what his dad was doing. But realistically, we all know that Cam Newton was perfectly aware are was letting his dad shop him around. Or try to, at least.
hmmm
February 23rd, 2011
12:40 am
What if that coach was now the Florida head coach?
Bull
February 23rd, 2011
12:41 am
Bobby Lowder
Swarles Barkley
February 23rd, 2011
12:46 am
MikeP:
My basis simply lies on the fact that Cam Newton should have been ineligible by NCAA rules. The idea that he did not know his father, Cecil Newton, was soliciting his play is absolutely ridiculous. The fact that they got away with it doesn’t mean it never happened. There are cases all the time where everyone knows what happened but we are unable to act.
The rule needs to be changed. It should never have allowed for a family member to solicit even without the player knowing since there is no way to keep them from puling the “I didn’t know” card. We will see this happen again in the near future. It has now been demonstrated on a national stage how to get away with it.
Swarles Barkley
February 23rd, 2011
12:47 am
Haha. It took him one minute to name someone. So much for all night.
Bull
February 23rd, 2011
12:57 am
MikeP, don’t come up with your own facts to fit your story. Milton McGregor and Robert Geddie (more notorious Auburn boosters) are about to go to trial this summer with the casino case. Colonial bank involving many other Auburn boosters/tie in…that’s another matter as well.
MikeP
February 23rd, 2011
1:02 am
The evidence is logical and based on circumstance.
1.” Cecil made his choice for him.” Maybe, maybe not.
2.” It’s known Cecil solicited at other schools.” No, Cecil was solicited at MSU by Kenny Rogers. It is known that money was NOT discussed at Oklahoma, Auburn or Tennessee, the three other schools Cam and Cecil Newton took visits to.
3. “Cam Newton quoted saying money was too good.” You forgot “Alleged” When the NCAA investigators showed up, the guy that wrote that could not find his single, anonymous source. Almost certainly false.
4. “Cam wanted to go to Miss State, but Cecil chose Auburn once Miss State said no about the money”. Cam liked MSU until he visited Auburn. then his eyes opened and he saw the better school, better teammates, better facilities and better coaching staff. Also a lot closer to home.
As far as Cam having to know, if your father had been talking about robbing a bank when you were 20 years old, would you have known about it? I wouldn’t have.
RED DOG 77
February 23rd, 2011
1:03 am
As a Georgia alum, that bleeds RED and BLACK…………..I congratulate Auburn on their National Championship !…….and I will hold fast to this until someone shows me proof that they cheated. That said, I plan to attend the Georgia v Auburn game, November 12 in Athens, and I get the feeling the boys from lower Alabama might just be in for a major butt-whoopin’………..until then Auburn, watch out, alot of SEC teams have you circled…………….Regards, RED
MikeP
February 23rd, 2011
1:11 am
Bull, do you deny that you wrote this? “the FACT that many of the Auburn board of trustees are under federal indictment ” You wrote it just about three posts up.
Now, there is not one single Auburn Board of trustee member under federal indictment. McGregor is an Auburn grad and fan. He’s not a BOT member. Yet you put FACT up there in front of your lie. Bull is a good name, as I said. Maybe switch it to BS.
Bull
February 23rd, 2011
1:22 am
Lowder is on the board of trustees at Auburn dipsht. You guys really can’t read OR think for yourself. Why is every Auburn fan in such denial
five-putt
February 23rd, 2011
1:28 am
RED — How dare you post a comment that doesn’t send us all drifting off to Neverland, sweet-dreaming of an FBI/FDIC/CIA interest in Auburn football, wearing our tinfoil hats alongside the likes of Bull and Name withheld! Isn’t it just amazing that your two-sentence post was able to include every single fact implicating Auburn of any NCAA wrongdoing…in other words ZERO. I’m betting it’s because you failed to include the critical phrases like “we all know”, “every SEC fan knows”, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” (actually, where there’s smoke, there’s a steaming pile of bull-s***), and that tried-and-true favorite “most NCAA penalized school in the SEC” (has anybody bothered to thank Bahr (”just point me to the money men”/”every time the NCAA investigates Alabama, Auburn goes on probation”) Bryant for this? It was probably the greatest accomplishment of his tenure while at the University of AlUpdyke. What about the past twenty years? Again, ZERO.
RED, you’ve restored my faith in DAWGS … at least temporarily. See you in Athens in November.
WDE!
five-putt
February 23rd, 2011
1:30 am
Hey, Bull. Lowder isn’t under indictment. Who’s the dipsht?
Bull
February 23rd, 2011
1:30 am
Jay Jacobs, Auburn’s athletic director has had previous business relationships with indicted members (Geddie), charged with conspiracy, money laundering and bribery
Bull
February 23rd, 2011
1:32 am
Lowder is involved in the colonial bank affair putt putt
five-putt
February 23rd, 2011
1:36 am
So has Bob Geddie’s clothier. Come to think of it, so have I. Am I going to jail? Please enlighten us about Jacobs “previous business relationships” with Bob and how they hold anything relevant for alleged wrongdoing by Auburn. Come on Bull. Surely you’ve got something more …just one FACT. Please? We’re waiting. By the way, “we all know” is not a fact, in case you were wondering.
five-putt
February 23rd, 2011
1:38 am
Lowder??? What does the failure of Colonial Bank have to do with alleged wrongdoing by Auburn? Fact??? Please? Just one? Come on, Bull. Don’t hold back on us.
dawgfan
February 23rd, 2011
6:30 am
Auburn football makes everyone sick. Who gives a rat’s azz what the NCAA does. We all know in our hearts and minds that Auburn is dirty and that’s all that matters. Barners know it too.
Ekim
February 23rd, 2011
7:13 am
LOL — it’s “McClover,” not “McLover.” You’re conflating the ex-player’s name with that of a well-known recent movie character.
No, that was “McLovin,” not “McLover.” Get your cultural references correct!
Rafe Hollister
February 23rd, 2011
7:16 am
Can you now find a better tradition than papering a tree like 12 year olds.
Rafe Hollister
February 23rd, 2011
7:23 am
Does anyone believe Scam didn’t know his dad was his agent?
Prof
February 23rd, 2011
7:23 am
BRADLEY, STOP YOUR WHINNING HATRED.
AUBURN ROCKS – KENTUCKY SUCKS.
GET USED TO IT.
Columbus Dawg
February 23rd, 2011
7:26 am
Columbus GA is a big Auburn town. We have some of both kinds of Auburn fans here. The biggest majority are the ones in full denial, and are the most ardent, mouthy idiots you have ever seen. The first thing that comes out of their mouths is “Georgia sucks”, followed by how great Auburn is. I tell them all right then that “Yes, Georgia was pretty bad this year”. The idiots have not the good sense to realize that it took UGA having it’s worst team since 1995 for them to finally win one out of the last five games.
As I said, there are the Auburn fans who are much more realistic about the chances that the allegations are true about their paying players, and are not nearly so mouthy about UGA, or their shiny new crystal football.
In 1993, when the allegations arose about Eric Ramsey having been paid, the Auburn Fambly were just as much in denial about that as they are now about the new allegations, that is until they played the tapes on 20/20 that night. There were some sad sack Auburn fans that next morning, I’ll tell you. Is there any coincidence that Pat Dye was banned from the program back then?
I, for one am ashamed to say that the POS ever put on a University of Georgia football uniform.
Gator CHOMP Champ
February 23rd, 2011
7:29 am
Better buy those Auburn NC shirts while they last…
Lance
February 23rd, 2011
7:29 am
Bradley you are a POS…do you ever have anything positive to say or get any information first hand. All you are a gossip whore. You truly are a POS…I hope someone loves you b/c you need some help.
Buckeye
February 23rd, 2011
7:50 am
And away we go……………………
THE MAJOR
February 23rd, 2011
7:52 am
For all the holier than thou UGA fans thinking Mark can walk on water, you are way off. Chizik is a good Christian man who believes in God then family then team.
MurrayisFAIRLEY'sB......
February 23rd, 2011
7:55 am
I love the envy being spewed form a program that consistently recruits the to playes but never accomplishes anything. Let’s face it UGA, you ae turning into FSU 2.
Also be prepared there are people in South Georgia looking into excessive booster involvement of three major signees of the DREEAAAMMM TEAMMMMMM. Uh Oh!!!!!
VININGSDAWG
February 23rd, 2011
8:01 am
MikeP
It was reported by one reporter who could not ever name a source that Cam Newton said the money was too good. Sorry that why that never went anywhere. There are plenty of other fathers, brothers, uncles and others involved in every recruiting saga and tell kids where they should go.
We have to quit barking up the tree, I don’t think there is anything to stick to Auburn. We have to be careful of what you sew, because of what you will reap.
Gator Mike
February 23rd, 2011
8:11 am
Mark, I have no problem with your article, and I have no problem with Auburn. With the apparent incompetence and lack of prudence by the NCAA and SEC Commissioner, ther is no reason to criticize AU or anyone. I am not a DAWG fan, but I fail to comprehend why AJ Green was punished last season while Newton was apparently bullet proof.
Let us not forget the Ohio St. joke with the Sugar Bowl – the NCAA blew it again, and the Big Ten Officials also showed their incompetence.
The lack of consistency by the NCAA and SEC Officials simply opens the door for more problems.
Columbus Dawg
February 23rd, 2011
8:16 am
Down here in Columbus there are a lot of Auburn fans. The biggest majority, I would suspect like the majority of all the Auburn Fambly, are some of the most mouthy idiots you have ever seen, in full denial of all allegations, just as they were in 1993 when the Ramsey allegations broke. That is until they played the tapes on 20/20 that night. Boy there were some sad sack Auburn fans that next morning. Is there any clear thinking individuals that think that it’s just a coincedence that Pat Dye was banned from the program back then? I am just one of many Bulldog faithful that is ashamed to say that POS ever donned a UGA football uniform.
There are however some Auburn folks who are much more cautious about bragging about their shiny new crystal football, as if they are indeed waiting for the other shoe to drop.
There is a lot of investigating for clues to the truth going on out of the Columbus media, who by majority by the way are very much pro Auburn, being as close to the Opelika/Auburn area as it’s called, and most are now convinced that it’s just a matter of the FBI getting done with the gambling bribery cases, and the goods will then be turned over to the NCAA. They are mostly convinced that not only the Auburn atheletic dept. stands to get slammed, but the University as a whole.
Personally, I don’t want Auburn to get kicked out of the SEC and not have Georgia/Auburn games any more, because I can’t wait to see the Dawgs pick up where they left off kicking Auburn’s butt every year. The most ardent idiot Auburn fans always start off with how badly Georgia sucks, but are not smart enough to realize that it took UGA having it’s worst team since 1995 for them to finally get one win out of five tries. Can’t wait until November in Sanford Stadium.
tiger7_88
February 23rd, 2011
8:18 am
Heh… “Swarles Barkley” writes his great diatribe about cheating, Auburn, and the 2010 season and can’t even get basic facts correct. “Its known Cecil solicited at other schools”… only in your fevered brain, Swarles. Come up with ANY article/link outside of fevered opponent blogs and allegations that proved that Cecil “solicited at other schools”. “Cam Newton quoted as saying money was too good”… no, Swarles, you’re fevered brain has failed you again. Cam Newton was never QUOTED saying any such thing. An anonymous source with an AGENDA alleged that Cam Newton SUPPOSEDLY said “The money was too MUCH”. This is what we refer to in the business not as a quote, but as an ALLEGATION and HEARSAY.
Poor, poor Swarles fevered brain. Somebody get that boy some Tylenol. He can’t afford to lose many more brain cells… dawgie brains are small enough.
Oh? And Swarles? Did you say COLUMBUS? I happened to be born and raised there. So you should know this very prominent name from good ol’ Columbus GA: DON LEEBERN. You know about Mr. Leebern, don’t you? A very powerful thUGa athletics booster that sits on the THUGA BOARD OF REGENTS? Did you know this man who is a very powerful thUGa athletics booster and sits on the THUGA BOARD OF REGENTS doesn’t even have a college degree? Golly, now why would the THUGA BOARD OF REGENTS allow a guy who just happens to be a very powerful thUGa athletics booster sit on the THUGA BOARD OF REGENTS without having even earned a college degree?
Oh, and Swarles? You remember all those happy times over all these years when good ol’ Mr. Leebern has been providing thUGa football players high-paying “summer jobs”? And somehow, after they’ve left Columbus after their nice visit to Mr. Leebern, many of them are driving nice shiny new cars! Gosh! They sure must earn a lot of money from the job that nice Mr. Leebern gave’em to buy nice shiny new cars!
If I was you though, Swarles, I’d be worrying about my OWN little thUGa program, who cheats as much and as well as the Big Boys in the SEC but never can seem to show anything for it. Who knows? Maybe its because you can’t keep your thugs out of jail long enough for them to comprehend their playbooks. I would wish you luck in hiring your new coaching staff after the 2011 season but, as usual, you guys will screw that up like you always do.
But you guys have one thing going for you… if ya’ll ever become as good as you THINK you are, hell, the SEC better watch out! Fat chance of that ever happening though. thUga will always be thUGa.
S GA AU FAN
February 23rd, 2011
8:22 am
Gator Mike
Could it be that AJ Green admited that he sold his jersey and Cam Newton denied any wrong doings.
Could they have been treated differently because one was admittedly guilty and the other innocent?
tiger7_88
February 23rd, 2011
8:23 am
Hilarious, Ekim! You’re *correcting* someone and you don’t have any idea what “conflating” means? LOL! Look it up, moron, and maybe you’ll be a little embarrassed for yourself.
Chuck Oliver's gobbler
February 23rd, 2011
8:25 am
I wish someone would put Denver Dog out of his misery.
Beast from the East
February 23rd, 2011
8:31 am
I wish someone would put all of these conspiracy thoerists out of their misery. If it does get proven that Auburn or any other school cheated then I will be right in line with them demanding punishment. Until that happens, let it go! It is sad that some folks are so consumed by the success of a rival that they continue to try and stir this garbage up. Sad.
It’s over…..let it go!
Gator Mike
February 23rd, 2011
8:35 am
S GA AU Fan: you make a ggod point which makes all of last season confusing. I pulled for AU all the way, but I had a problem with the background noise. I am not saying Cam was guilty or innocent.
What is your take on the ohio st. joke?
I really am sick over the tree poisoning crime by some “red neck” BAMA fan. The AU-BAMA rivalry is bitter enough without this stupidity. It makes our GATOR rivalry with UGA and FSU lok insignificant.
Good luck to you and your War Eagle Brethren. Hopefully, you will get something else at Toomer’s Corner. I always like your tree rolling tradition.
George G.
February 23rd, 2011
8:36 am
The HBO story is going to be directed more at the agent-player relationship. It’s not a hit piece against Auburn. LSU, Alabama and Mississippi State are also likely to represented and take a hit as a result of it. But, most importantly, it’s not 100 percent certain that the story even airs. They are still conducting interviews to see if it’s even worth it.
J Edgar Hoover
February 23rd, 2011
8:47 am
NCAA has over site on recruiting, etc. FBI has jurisdiction on criminal matters, like gambling or fixing games. FBI can issue supoenas and the NCAA cannot. FBI can prosecute liars ( under oath ) and the NCAA cannot.
It is important to understand the distinction.
DC
February 23rd, 2011
8:53 am
I love all these investigators we have on these blogs…everyone acts like they know exactly what is going on….and everyone believes every single word that comes out of someones mouth when it comes to AU…funny how every person who has come out and said something has had backlash against them from AU…why didn’t they speak up earlier before this whole Cam Newton saga….hmmmmm…I’m sure they are saying “the money is too good”
timthebrave
February 23rd, 2011
8:53 am
If GA would have gone 12-1 and the lone loss was to auburn I would care. Until then I will just worry about our own program. I don’t believe Cam Newton but I don’t care at this point
Winston Wolfe
February 23rd, 2011
8:54 am
Uhhhhh…..when the idiot in Libya starts blowin up their oil fields and we’re paying 5 bucks a gal for gas….. are you really gonna care if Auburn cheated or not? Perspective people….
Dawg Gone
February 23rd, 2011
8:59 am
Winston Wolfe Libya doesn’t produce enough oil for that to happen. Gas may go to 5 bucks a gallon but Libya will have little or nothing to do with it…..see how boring that was…now back to football.
tiger7_88
February 23rd, 2011
9:00 am
J. Edgar, its also important to remember that when it comes to the FBI, the cases they are working, and the supboenas they serve, they couldn’t give a rats patooty about the NCAA, Auburn, or any other college.
AU in ATL
February 23rd, 2011
9:00 am
Wow, look at all those “facts” listed (from both sides), amazing. Here’s my 2 cents. First, not my opinion, not what others believe, verifiable facts. Just use your mouse. It will take abotut 3 min. Little longer if your an UGA grad…
FBI investigation has been over for months. Indicments and arrests done. Trial date set. Plea bargains on-going. Not a single item has come up related to Newton or AU football program. And we all know everyone is/was looking very hard.
There is no investigation by the NCAA at Auburn or letter of inquiry. What is open is the MSU/Newton recruit affair. Note that its not an active investigation, its simply not closed. NCAA is waiting to see if someone brings in additional credible evidence to the table. IMO, I’m pretty sure it would have happened by now. MB is probably right. Title will likely stay.
NCAA violations: Since the beginning of time, AU has one more NCAA violation than UGA. One violation in the last 20 years. Both schools are top 5 in NCAA violations. I understand that there are rules and they should be enforced. But, I am a football fan, not a section so and so, semantics, rule quoting nut. I like the game, thats why I’m reading MB and others. If AU, South Cal, Bama, whoever, had recruiting violations during a title run. That’s bad. But, I equate to winning a car race without a valid license or proof of insurance. Its wrong, ilegal yes, but the best driver still wins. If newton got paid in gold coins. Heck, if the whole team got given a sack of money. They do not become bionic. Still 11 on 11 with the same refs, coaches, etc.
Moving forward:
Back to football. Why do so many think AU will be in the dump in 2011 baffles me. On paper they look better than they did last year when they were picked 4th in the west. I’m not saying AU will be 14-0, but I don’t see anyone else in the SEC as a prohibitive favorite either. Sure, Bama, USC, AK, LSU even UGA can make a case of why they will win in 2011. But, guys, sit down, deep breath, you have to play the games…I know, bummer.
And while I’m at it, all this talk about AU going back to mediocre. AU is not a traditional power. No argument there. But, I can make an argument that its better than UGA. Munch on this, In the past 20 years, AU has about the same number of undefeated seasons as UGA has beat UF. AU has a winning record against Bama in the last 30, about even with UGA, AU up by 2 (granted last 5, 4-1 UGA), Not sure about AU-UF, I think pretty even. Very even with LSU. SEC wins, right in the thick of it (top 2 or 3 depending on how far back you go). Granted, AU has had a few down years as well as banner ones. No different than any other good SEC team. Until last year, UF is the only consistent 9+ win team during the past 20 or so years.
tainted title
February 23rd, 2011
9:01 am
auburn—crooked to the core. Their title was bought and paid for by big, fatcat boosters. They should run their program like Coach Saban at Alabama.
Dawg Gone
February 23rd, 2011
9:03 am
I hope Auburn keeps the trophy for a thousand years….and we beat them every year while its in their possession.
KisstherRing
February 23rd, 2011
9:04 am
Auburn against the World, Auburn 1, World 0
Next match…
Jim Tavegia
February 23rd, 2011
9:07 am
Character died along time ago. You can get over it now. It is all money and hype now. Amateur athletics…you are kidding, right? There is no one in any sport or any league or that coaches that is worth $1 mil. This is where we have gone wrong. The day that Albert Puljos get $30 mil per is the day you might as well turn out the lights, because the party will be over. Only they will be able to afford $10.gal gas. Those of you who buy tickets to this only fuel the madness.
Dawg Gone
February 23rd, 2011
9:07 am
AU in ATL I don’t think AU will be lousy this year, but a fall off of 2-4 loses is possible . A lot of talent on the plains now,just needs some experience . And tainted title isn’t the Tide STILL on probation??