http://www.kentucky.com/2010/10/27/1498334/auburns-newton-pads-his-heisman.html
Posted on Wed, Oct. 27, 2010
Auburn's Newton pads his Heisman lead
By JIMMY BURCH
McClatchy Newspapers
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton extended his lead in Wednesday's latest installment of the Scripps Howard News Service Heisman Trophy poll.
Newton received eight of 10 available first-place votes after leading the Tigers, the No. 1 team in this week's BCS standings, to a 24-17 victory over LSU.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound junior has rushed for a combined 405 yards and five touchdowns during consecutive victories over Top 25 opponents LSU and Arkansas. Newton has thrown for 226 yards in those contests.
The poll, which began in 1987, solicits input from 10 Heisman voters - including representatives from each of the five Heisman balloting regions - and assigns voting points for each candidate listed by voters.
Points are assigned on a sliding scale, similar to the point totals in the weekly Associated Press college football poll.
The poll has correctly forecast the Heisman winner in 19 of its 23 seasons, including last year.
Handicapping the Heisman
Jimmy Burch handicaps the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy:
LaMichael James, Oregon: Transplanted Texan leads the NCAA in rushing (161.8 avg., 7.4 per carry, 11 TDs) and has the Ducks at No. 1 in AP poll.
Cam Newton, Auburn: The latest hot commodity on the dual-threat QB front has carried the Tigers to the top of the BCS standings.
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State: The candidacy of the Cowboys' standout receiver will be damaged by Tuesday's DUI arrest.
Kellen Moore, Boise State: All he does is win, avoid interceptions and lead the nation in passing efficiency (18 TDs, two INTs).
Denard Robinson, Michigan: His stats remain sensational, but his team has dropped out of the Top 25, which won't wow voters.
Handicapping the O'Brien
Jimmy Burch handicaps the front-runners for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award:
Cam Newton, Auburn: Dual-threat QB rushes for 134.6 yards per game, with 14 TDs, and ranks third nationally in passing efficiency (13 TDs, five INTs).
Kellen Moore, Boise State: Gifted lefty leads the nation in passing efficiency (69.5 completion pct., 1,865 yards, 18 TDs, two INTs).
Denard Robinson, Michigan: Ranks second nationally in total offense (345 avg.) while completing 67.8 pct. of his passes.
Andrew Luck, Stanford: The most NFL-ready QB in college football. Dual threat completes 66.5 percent of his passes, with 19 TDs, five INTs.
Andy Dalton, TCU: NCAA's active leader in career wins by a starting QB (37) can boost his case with a win at No. 8 Utah on Nov. 6.
Player . . . Last week . . . Pts.
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn28 carries, 217 yards, 2 TDs; 10-of-16, 86 yards passing 48 (8)
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon20 carries, 123 yards, 2 TDs, 32(1)
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State20 of 28, 298 yards passing, 2 TDs, INT., 7-yd. TD reception
(Stats from Tuesday's 49-20 win over La. Tech) 31 (1)
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.5 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs11
5. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford20 of 28, 190 yards passing, 3 TDs, INT.5
Others receiving votes: Michigan QB Denard Robinson 4, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert 3, Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor 2, Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins 2, USC QB Matt Barkley 2, TCU QB Andy Dalton 1, Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter 1.
NOTE: Voting tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points for a first-place vote, four points for second, etc. First-place votes are in parentheses.
(Scripps Howard News Service Heisman Trophy poll voters: Kirk Bohls, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman; Jimmy Burch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Dennis Dodd, CBSSports.com; Vahe Gregorian, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Mike Griffith, The Knoxville (Tenn.) News-Sentinel; Michael Lewis, Salt Lake Tribune; Bob Condotta, Seattle Times; John Lindsay, Scripps Howard News Service; Tom Luicci, The (Newark) Star-Ledger; John Rohde, The Oklahoman.)
Posted on Wed, Oct. 27, 2010
Auburn's Newton pads his Heisman lead
By JIMMY BURCH
McClatchy Newspapers
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton extended his lead in Wednesday's latest installment of the Scripps Howard News Service Heisman Trophy poll.
Newton received eight of 10 available first-place votes after leading the Tigers, the No. 1 team in this week's BCS standings, to a 24-17 victory over LSU.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound junior has rushed for a combined 405 yards and five touchdowns during consecutive victories over Top 25 opponents LSU and Arkansas. Newton has thrown for 226 yards in those contests.
The poll, which began in 1987, solicits input from 10 Heisman voters - including representatives from each of the five Heisman balloting regions - and assigns voting points for each candidate listed by voters.
Points are assigned on a sliding scale, similar to the point totals in the weekly Associated Press college football poll.
The poll has correctly forecast the Heisman winner in 19 of its 23 seasons, including last year.
Handicapping the Heisman
Jimmy Burch handicaps the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy:
LaMichael James, Oregon: Transplanted Texan leads the NCAA in rushing (161.8 avg., 7.4 per carry, 11 TDs) and has the Ducks at No. 1 in AP poll.
Cam Newton, Auburn: The latest hot commodity on the dual-threat QB front has carried the Tigers to the top of the BCS standings.
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State: The candidacy of the Cowboys' standout receiver will be damaged by Tuesday's DUI arrest.
Kellen Moore, Boise State: All he does is win, avoid interceptions and lead the nation in passing efficiency (18 TDs, two INTs).
Denard Robinson, Michigan: His stats remain sensational, but his team has dropped out of the Top 25, which won't wow voters.
Handicapping the O'Brien
Jimmy Burch handicaps the front-runners for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award:
Cam Newton, Auburn: Dual-threat QB rushes for 134.6 yards per game, with 14 TDs, and ranks third nationally in passing efficiency (13 TDs, five INTs).
Kellen Moore, Boise State: Gifted lefty leads the nation in passing efficiency (69.5 completion pct., 1,865 yards, 18 TDs, two INTs).
Denard Robinson, Michigan: Ranks second nationally in total offense (345 avg.) while completing 67.8 pct. of his passes.
Andrew Luck, Stanford: The most NFL-ready QB in college football. Dual threat completes 66.5 percent of his passes, with 19 TDs, five INTs.
Andy Dalton, TCU: NCAA's active leader in career wins by a starting QB (37) can boost his case with a win at No. 8 Utah on Nov. 6.
Player . . . Last week . . . Pts.
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn28 carries, 217 yards, 2 TDs; 10-of-16, 86 yards passing 48 (8)
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon20 carries, 123 yards, 2 TDs, 32(1)
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State20 of 28, 298 yards passing, 2 TDs, INT., 7-yd. TD reception
(Stats from Tuesday's 49-20 win over La. Tech) 31 (1)
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.5 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs11
5. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford20 of 28, 190 yards passing, 3 TDs, INT.5
Others receiving votes: Michigan QB Denard Robinson 4, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert 3, Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor 2, Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins 2, USC QB Matt Barkley 2, TCU QB Andy Dalton 1, Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter 1.
NOTE: Voting tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points for a first-place vote, four points for second, etc. First-place votes are in parentheses.
(Scripps Howard News Service Heisman Trophy poll voters: Kirk Bohls, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman; Jimmy Burch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Dennis Dodd, CBSSports.com; Vahe Gregorian, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Mike Griffith, The Knoxville (Tenn.) News-Sentinel; Michael Lewis, Salt Lake Tribune; Bob Condotta, Seattle Times; John Lindsay, Scripps Howard News Service; Tom Luicci, The (Newark) Star-Ledger; John Rohde, The Oklahoman.)
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn28 carries, 217 yards, 2 TDs; 10-of-16, 86 yards passing 48 (8)
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon20 carries, 123 yards, 2 TDs, 32(1)
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State20 of 28, 298 yards passing, 2 TDs, INT., 7-yd. TD reception
(Stats from Tuesday's 49-20 win over La. Tech) 31 (1)
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.5 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs11
5. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford20 of 28, 190 yards passing, 3 TDs, INT.5
Others receiving votes: Michigan QB Denard Robinson 4, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert 3, Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor 2, Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins 2, USC QB Matt Barkley 2, TCU QB Andy Dalton 1, Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter 1.
NOTE: Voting tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points for a first-place vote, four points for second, etc. First-place votes are in parentheses.
(Scripps Howard News Service Heisman Trophy poll voters: Kirk Bohls, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman; Jimmy Burch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Dennis Dodd, CBSSports.com; Vahe Gregorian, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Mike Griffith, The Knoxville (Tenn.) News-Sentinel; Michael Lewis, Salt Lake Tribune; Bob Condotta, Seattle Times; John Lindsay, Scripps Howard News Service; Tom Luicci, The (Newark) Star-Ledger; John Rohde, The Oklahoman.)
Iowa's RICKY STANZI is having an outstanding year and his play thus far this year has gone unnoticed by many media heads.......currently #2 in passing effiecency behind Moore.
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon20 carries, 123 yards, 2 TDs, 32(1)
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State20 of 28, 298 yards passing, 2 TDs, INT., 7-yd. TD reception
(Stats from Tuesday's 49-20 win over La. Tech) 31 (1)
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.5 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs11
5. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford20 of 28, 190 yards passing, 3 TDs, INT.5
Others receiving votes: Michigan QB Denard Robinson 4, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert 3, Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor 2, Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins 2, USC QB Matt Barkley 2, TCU QB Andy Dalton 1, Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter 1.
NOTE: Voting tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points for a first-place vote, four points for second, etc. First-place votes are in parentheses.
(Scripps Howard News Service Heisman Trophy poll voters: Kirk Bohls, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman; Jimmy Burch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Dennis Dodd, CBSSports.com; Vahe Gregorian, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Mike Griffith, The Knoxville (Tenn.) News-Sentinel; Michael Lewis, Salt Lake Tribune; Bob Condotta, Seattle Times; John Lindsay, Scripps Howard News Service; Tom Luicci, The (Newark) Star-Ledger; John Rohde, The Oklahoman.)
Iowa's RICKY STANZI is having an outstanding year and his play thus far this year has gone unnoticed by many media heads.......currently #2 in passing effiecency behind Moore.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ton-slip-from-heisman-leader-amid-accusations
Cam Newton: Guilty or Not, Could He Slip From Heisman Leader Amid Accusations?
By Deric Winslett
(Correspondent) on November 5, 2010
Here are six points as to why people should not jump to negative conclusions concerning Auburn QB and Heisman front runner Cam Newton. That also includes the Heisman Trophy voters at the Down Town Athletic Club in New York.
But first in case you haven’t read or heard the news. Here are some low lights of a story concerning Mississippi State’s former recruitment of Cam Newton in the winter of 2009. A story that made Auburn fan’s butts simultaneously tighten as if touched by a tube of Preparation H. Gross but an effective analogy
“The NCAA is investigating Newton’s recruitment specifically his alleged ties to a man named Kenny Rogers, who allegedly offered Newton’s playing services to Mississippi State in exchange for a cash sum in the six figures. A Lexis search for that business lists Kenneth Rogers as the contact and his title as “agent.” A Birmingham, Alabama News story from 2008 said Elite Football Preparation “matches high school athletes with college programs.” Mr. Rogers is also currently under investigation by the NFL and NCAA for other accusations as well. Don't let this guy in you neighborhood.
Newton’s father denied any wrongdoing by Cam, himself or anyone associated with the family, while the NCAA and Auburn declined comment. Auburn University did say Newton remains eligible to play football for the undefeated tigers and BCS 2nd ranked team(9-0).”
1st People better stick to the facts or lack thereof with this story reported Thursday evening by Chris Low of ESPN, concerning Mississippi State’s recruitment of Cam Newton. Warning a skillful lawyer has been retained by Cecil Newton, Cam Newton’s father. And yes a slick Georgia lawyer can track you down by your IP address, like your a heard of terrorist posting recruitment video’s on You Tube. So think twice before you decide to post something untrue in a chat room or blog, and find yourself in a slander case. Just saying!
2nd This has nothing to do with Auburn's recruitment of Cam Newton. The Auburn coaches and administration knew about this accusation months ago. Had anything taken place that was not ethical. Cam would never have been named the starter in the spring, much less seen the field in game one this season. Possibly not even recruited if the information was disclosed prior to national signing day in February 2010.
3rd To blame Saban or Bama for this is as ridiculous as this story reported by Chris Low and ESPN. This is not a Bama VS Auburn thing! Sorry...
4th The timing is strange however, that Chris Low has written blog after blog concerning everything great about Auburn and Cam Newton. Then yesterday on a national radio show he stated that “bama would win the western division of the SEC and meet Florida in that SEC Championship game.” Hummm, really now? I want this guy picking my lottery numbers.
MSU Head Coach Dan Mullen
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
And as we all know today he releases his story concerning the “MISSISSIPPI STATE” recruitment of Cam Newton according John Bond. Rogers’ accuser – the two played football together at Mississippi State in the 1980s. Was this just happen stance?
5th Which leads me to this point. In Mr. Low’s own reporting, he makes this point clear. There’s no
continued trail leading from Kenny Rogers (alleged dummy seeking money) of Elite Football Preparation (there’s that P word again) to Auburn or it’s recruitment of Newton. Bond alleges Rogers had stated to him “Miss State could have Newton for $180,000.” I could take this down another road, but I will refrain.
6th Any one can say “I represent XYZ player, “I can land that player for you for a discount at $180k
While other schools have offered 200k, I’ll discount him (wink - wink)” Yeah what ever! If John Bond’s allegations are true, one can argue that Slick Salesman AKA: Kenny Rogers thought it was a foregone conclusion that Cam Newton was going to sign with Mississippi state. So naturally with out truly consulting Cam or anyone in the Newton family. It could be assumed that Rogers could say he landed Cam on the front step of the Bulldog athletic facility, now show me the money Mr. Mississippi State football booster! But Mississippi State in it’s wisdom reported the allegations to the SEC and NCAA . You think anyone at State warned Auburn? If not - why not? These allegations stink to high heaven. And the timing makes me wonder.
Some fun factoids for you to ponder. Did you know that prior to Kodi Burns a former Mr. Football quarterback from Arkansas signing with Auburn. Cam was being recruited by Auburn when Tommy Tuberville was the head coach. He (Newton) liked Auburn but decided to sign with Florida once Burns committed to the tigers. Did you know that current Auburn coaches saw a video of Cam Newton while recruiting another player at Blinn Community College in Texas, where Newton lead his team to a Junior College National Championship in 2009. That’s how this current Auburn staff found out about the amazing capabilities of Newton. Auburn was in need of a super QB to run Gus Malzahn’s offense, Auburn obviously began recruiting Cam at that point. Hence the “out of nowhere commitment of Newton“.
Auburn Fans Support Cam Newton
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Cam realizing Auburn had a better situation over Miss State, i.e. better chance to win SEC Championships, immediate chance to be a starter, much better facilities, just a 90 mile drive down I-85 from his home in Atlanta to Auburn, awesome proven offense with better talent. He committed to Auburn when offered, a no brainer really. All facts on how Auburn landed Cam Newton. Any questions?
Relax Auburn fans, by next week this story has no legs concerning Cam or Auburn, just as it had none before Chris Low decided to break it. This story is for Mr. Rogers to clear up and defend himself against the NCAA and a judge. No doubt the truth will come out in due time. But I tell you this; If history shows Auburn and Newton are indeed innocent. And if Auburn wins out and Cam Newton “the obvious front runner” in a walk off to the Heisman Trophy receives harm that may cause Newton to lose the award that everyone up to this point proclaimed over and over was his to lose. Break out the check book Mr. Low, Pat Forde, Mark Schlabach and ESPN, you’re the ones that may be providing a pay day to the Newton’s. I would wage that it would be more than a $180,000 bucks.
Now, would the winnings from a successful lawsuit be against NCAA rules?
Cam Newton: Guilty or Not, Could He Slip From Heisman Leader Amid Accusations?
By Deric Winslett
(Correspondent) on November 5, 2010
Here are six points as to why people should not jump to negative conclusions concerning Auburn QB and Heisman front runner Cam Newton. That also includes the Heisman Trophy voters at the Down Town Athletic Club in New York.
But first in case you haven’t read or heard the news. Here are some low lights of a story concerning Mississippi State’s former recruitment of Cam Newton in the winter of 2009. A story that made Auburn fan’s butts simultaneously tighten as if touched by a tube of Preparation H. Gross but an effective analogy
“The NCAA is investigating Newton’s recruitment specifically his alleged ties to a man named Kenny Rogers, who allegedly offered Newton’s playing services to Mississippi State in exchange for a cash sum in the six figures. A Lexis search for that business lists Kenneth Rogers as the contact and his title as “agent.” A Birmingham, Alabama News story from 2008 said Elite Football Preparation “matches high school athletes with college programs.” Mr. Rogers is also currently under investigation by the NFL and NCAA for other accusations as well. Don't let this guy in you neighborhood.
Newton’s father denied any wrongdoing by Cam, himself or anyone associated with the family, while the NCAA and Auburn declined comment. Auburn University did say Newton remains eligible to play football for the undefeated tigers and BCS 2nd ranked team(9-0).”
1st People better stick to the facts or lack thereof with this story reported Thursday evening by Chris Low of ESPN, concerning Mississippi State’s recruitment of Cam Newton. Warning a skillful lawyer has been retained by Cecil Newton, Cam Newton’s father. And yes a slick Georgia lawyer can track you down by your IP address, like your a heard of terrorist posting recruitment video’s on You Tube. So think twice before you decide to post something untrue in a chat room or blog, and find yourself in a slander case. Just saying!
2nd This has nothing to do with Auburn's recruitment of Cam Newton. The Auburn coaches and administration knew about this accusation months ago. Had anything taken place that was not ethical. Cam would never have been named the starter in the spring, much less seen the field in game one this season. Possibly not even recruited if the information was disclosed prior to national signing day in February 2010.
3rd To blame Saban or Bama for this is as ridiculous as this story reported by Chris Low and ESPN. This is not a Bama VS Auburn thing! Sorry...
4th The timing is strange however, that Chris Low has written blog after blog concerning everything great about Auburn and Cam Newton. Then yesterday on a national radio show he stated that “bama would win the western division of the SEC and meet Florida in that SEC Championship game.” Hummm, really now? I want this guy picking my lottery numbers.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
And as we all know today he releases his story concerning the “MISSISSIPPI STATE” recruitment of Cam Newton according John Bond. Rogers’ accuser – the two played football together at Mississippi State in the 1980s. Was this just happen stance?
5th Which leads me to this point. In Mr. Low’s own reporting, he makes this point clear. There’s no
continued trail leading from Kenny Rogers (alleged dummy seeking money) of Elite Football Preparation (there’s that P word again) to Auburn or it’s recruitment of Newton. Bond alleges Rogers had stated to him “Miss State could have Newton for $180,000.” I could take this down another road, but I will refrain.
6th Any one can say “I represent XYZ player, “I can land that player for you for a discount at $180k
While other schools have offered 200k, I’ll discount him (wink - wink)” Yeah what ever! If John Bond’s allegations are true, one can argue that Slick Salesman AKA: Kenny Rogers thought it was a foregone conclusion that Cam Newton was going to sign with Mississippi state. So naturally with out truly consulting Cam or anyone in the Newton family. It could be assumed that Rogers could say he landed Cam on the front step of the Bulldog athletic facility, now show me the money Mr. Mississippi State football booster! But Mississippi State in it’s wisdom reported the allegations to the SEC and NCAA . You think anyone at State warned Auburn? If not - why not? These allegations stink to high heaven. And the timing makes me wonder.
Some fun factoids for you to ponder. Did you know that prior to Kodi Burns a former Mr. Football quarterback from Arkansas signing with Auburn. Cam was being recruited by Auburn when Tommy Tuberville was the head coach. He (Newton) liked Auburn but decided to sign with Florida once Burns committed to the tigers. Did you know that current Auburn coaches saw a video of Cam Newton while recruiting another player at Blinn Community College in Texas, where Newton lead his team to a Junior College National Championship in 2009. That’s how this current Auburn staff found out about the amazing capabilities of Newton. Auburn was in need of a super QB to run Gus Malzahn’s offense, Auburn obviously began recruiting Cam at that point. Hence the “out of nowhere commitment of Newton“.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Cam realizing Auburn had a better situation over Miss State, i.e. better chance to win SEC Championships, immediate chance to be a starter, much better facilities, just a 90 mile drive down I-85 from his home in Atlanta to Auburn, awesome proven offense with better talent. He committed to Auburn when offered, a no brainer really. All facts on how Auburn landed Cam Newton. Any questions?
Relax Auburn fans, by next week this story has no legs concerning Cam or Auburn, just as it had none before Chris Low decided to break it. This story is for Mr. Rogers to clear up and defend himself against the NCAA and a judge. No doubt the truth will come out in due time. But I tell you this; If history shows Auburn and Newton are indeed innocent. And if Auburn wins out and Cam Newton “the obvious front runner” in a walk off to the Heisman Trophy receives harm that may cause Newton to lose the award that everyone up to this point proclaimed over and over was his to lose. Break out the check book Mr. Low, Pat Forde, Mark Schlabach and ESPN, you’re the ones that may be providing a pay day to the Newton’s. I would wage that it would be more than a $180,000 bucks.
Now, would the winnings from a successful lawsuit be against NCAA rules?
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-b...-against-uga/?cxntfid=blogs_mark_bradley_blog
Why Auburn cannot allow Cam Newton to play against UGA
9:35 am November 12, 2010, by Mark Bradley
Cam in the stands, which is where he needs to be.
On Tuesday Gene Chizik defended Cam Newton against allegations the coach called “pure garbage” by saying the quarterback had done everything asked of him since arriving at Auburn. But now Auburn needs to ask — nay, to demand — that Newton do something difficult for all involved.
Auburn needs to tell Newton to sit out the Georgia game.
The dynamics have changed since Chizik offered his ringing defense. On Wednesday ESPN reported that two unnamed Mississippi State “recruiters” had heard both Newton and his father Cecil mention money in separate phone conversations. On Thursday Kenny Rogers told ESPN 105.3 in Dallas that the elder Newton was seeking between $100,000 and $180,000 for his son to enroll at Mississippi State.
Yes, yes. Cam Newton did not enroll at Mississippi State. He chose Auburn. (Actually, by Newton’s own admission, his father chose Auburn for him.) But we’ve gone in nine days from the ESPN and New York Times reports that referenced the former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond as a rather distant accuser to two stronger allegations that Cecil Newton himself asked for money.
Rogers has offered names, dates, details and demands. Rogers, who has worked for an agent who is apparently being investigated by the NFL Players Association, might not be the perfect witness, but the murky depths of NCAA violations tend not to be the realm of saints.
As yet, nothing has surfaced to tie Auburn to any player payola, but that’s no longer the issue. It’s an NCAA violation for anyone to seek money or benefits on behalf of a prospect, and there’s now at least the suspicion that Cecil Newton did. Which means Cam Newton could be ineligible. More to the point, it means Auburn has reason to suspect he could be ineligible.
Auburn faces Georgia tomorrow. The Tigers can clinch the SEC West if they win, but there’s more at stake that a berth in the SEC championship game and the clear possibility of playing for the BCS title: There’s the reputation of a university on the line, and it’s a reputation Auburn hasn’t always gone to the wall to protect.
In 1957 Auburn went undefeated and finished No. 1 in the Associated Press poll but couldn’t grace a bowl because it was on probation. In 1993 Auburn went undefeated but was barred from a bowl appearance — and even from appearing on live TV — because it was on probation. In 2003 Auburn’s president and athletic director flew to Sellersburg, Ind., on a private jet owned by the toxic booster Bobby Lowder to meet with Louisville coach Bobby Petrino even though Auburn still had a coach in Tommy Tuberville.
According to the NCAA’s database, Auburn football has been penalized five times for major violations. (This doesn’t count JetGate, which was merely an affront to human decency.) The most recent sanctions were levied in 1993, which suggests the school has become more scrupulous in recent years. Here’s the chance for Auburn University to prove it’s more than a football program with a few classrooms as window dressing. Here’s the chance for Auburn to prove it cares more about being an institution of higher learning than it does the outcome of a given game.
Auburn has cause to doubt that Cam Newton’s recruitment was pristine. It plays Georgia on Saturday but doesn’t play again until it meets Alabama the day after Thanksgiving. That’s nearly two weeks to conduct a thorough in-house investigation, as opposed to relying on the kneejerk “Cam New is eligible to play at Auburn” defense. That’s enough time to get some grasp on what’s really what.
The worst thing a school can do is to allow a player of questionable eligibility to represent it. For Auburn to let Newton play against Georgia simply on faith would be to ignore the revelations of the past nine days. It doesn’t much matter if Mississippi State or Florida or the CIA or the KGB was behind these allegations; what matters is that the burden of proof — and proving that something didn’t happen is a massive burden — has fallen on Auburn.
If Newton doesn’t play against Georgia and the Bulldogs win, Auburn will have lost a football game. If Newton plays and is later found to have been ineligible, Auburn will lose much more. For the sake of his latest school, Cam Newton cannot take the field tomorrow.
Why Auburn cannot allow Cam Newton to play against UGA
9:35 am November 12, 2010, by Mark Bradley
On Tuesday Gene Chizik defended Cam Newton against allegations the coach called “pure garbage” by saying the quarterback had done everything asked of him since arriving at Auburn. But now Auburn needs to ask — nay, to demand — that Newton do something difficult for all involved.
Auburn needs to tell Newton to sit out the Georgia game.
The dynamics have changed since Chizik offered his ringing defense. On Wednesday ESPN reported that two unnamed Mississippi State “recruiters” had heard both Newton and his father Cecil mention money in separate phone conversations. On Thursday Kenny Rogers told ESPN 105.3 in Dallas that the elder Newton was seeking between $100,000 and $180,000 for his son to enroll at Mississippi State.
Yes, yes. Cam Newton did not enroll at Mississippi State. He chose Auburn. (Actually, by Newton’s own admission, his father chose Auburn for him.) But we’ve gone in nine days from the ESPN and New York Times reports that referenced the former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond as a rather distant accuser to two stronger allegations that Cecil Newton himself asked for money.
Rogers has offered names, dates, details and demands. Rogers, who has worked for an agent who is apparently being investigated by the NFL Players Association, might not be the perfect witness, but the murky depths of NCAA violations tend not to be the realm of saints.
As yet, nothing has surfaced to tie Auburn to any player payola, but that’s no longer the issue. It’s an NCAA violation for anyone to seek money or benefits on behalf of a prospect, and there’s now at least the suspicion that Cecil Newton did. Which means Cam Newton could be ineligible. More to the point, it means Auburn has reason to suspect he could be ineligible.
Auburn faces Georgia tomorrow. The Tigers can clinch the SEC West if they win, but there’s more at stake that a berth in the SEC championship game and the clear possibility of playing for the BCS title: There’s the reputation of a university on the line, and it’s a reputation Auburn hasn’t always gone to the wall to protect.
In 1957 Auburn went undefeated and finished No. 1 in the Associated Press poll but couldn’t grace a bowl because it was on probation. In 1993 Auburn went undefeated but was barred from a bowl appearance — and even from appearing on live TV — because it was on probation. In 2003 Auburn’s president and athletic director flew to Sellersburg, Ind., on a private jet owned by the toxic booster Bobby Lowder to meet with Louisville coach Bobby Petrino even though Auburn still had a coach in Tommy Tuberville.
According to the NCAA’s database, Auburn football has been penalized five times for major violations. (This doesn’t count JetGate, which was merely an affront to human decency.) The most recent sanctions were levied in 1993, which suggests the school has become more scrupulous in recent years. Here’s the chance for Auburn University to prove it’s more than a football program with a few classrooms as window dressing. Here’s the chance for Auburn to prove it cares more about being an institution of higher learning than it does the outcome of a given game.
Auburn has cause to doubt that Cam Newton’s recruitment was pristine. It plays Georgia on Saturday but doesn’t play again until it meets Alabama the day after Thanksgiving. That’s nearly two weeks to conduct a thorough in-house investigation, as opposed to relying on the kneejerk “Cam New is eligible to play at Auburn” defense. That’s enough time to get some grasp on what’s really what.
The worst thing a school can do is to allow a player of questionable eligibility to represent it. For Auburn to let Newton play against Georgia simply on faith would be to ignore the revelations of the past nine days. It doesn’t much matter if Mississippi State or Florida or the CIA or the KGB was behind these allegations; what matters is that the burden of proof — and proving that something didn’t happen is a massive burden — has fallen on Auburn.
If Newton doesn’t play against Georgia and the Bulldogs win, Auburn will have lost a football game. If Newton plays and is later found to have been ineligible, Auburn will lose much more. For the sake of his latest school, Cam Newton cannot take the field tomorrow.
http://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/article_800023ae-021a-11e0-bd24-001cc4c002e0.html
Posted: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 10:53 am
Newton won't be getting this Heisman vote
On Sunday night, at halftime of the Steelers-Ravens game, my Heisman Trophy ballot was e-mailed to Deloitte & Touche, the accounting firm which tabulates the vote.
It’s a responsibility I’ve taken seriously in the over 25 years that privilege has been extended to me.
The Heisman Trust, which controls the balloting, has a policy against voters publicly releasing their selections until after the winner is announced.
Fair enough.
My ballot will remain confidential ... at least until Saturday night.
But that doesn’t stop me from revealing who’s not on it.
And the glaring absentee is one Cameron Newton, inarguably the best college football player in the country. By many accounts, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Auburn quarterback will win the Heisman by one of the widest margins in the award’s history.
But it won’t be because of me.
When it comes to Cam Newton, you either embrace his enormous physical talent to the exclusion of all else ... or you don’t.
I’m in the latter, though clearly in the minority.
For me, character counts.
Posted: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 10:53 am
Newton won't be getting this Heisman vote
On Sunday night, at halftime of the Steelers-Ravens game, my Heisman Trophy ballot was e-mailed to Deloitte & Touche, the accounting firm which tabulates the vote.
It’s a responsibility I’ve taken seriously in the over 25 years that privilege has been extended to me.
The Heisman Trust, which controls the balloting, has a policy against voters publicly releasing their selections until after the winner is announced.
Fair enough.
My ballot will remain confidential ... at least until Saturday night.
But that doesn’t stop me from revealing who’s not on it.
And the glaring absentee is one Cameron Newton, inarguably the best college football player in the country. By many accounts, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Auburn quarterback will win the Heisman by one of the widest margins in the award’s history.
But it won’t be because of me.
When it comes to Cam Newton, you either embrace his enormous physical talent to the exclusion of all else ... or you don’t.
I’m in the latter, though clearly in the minority.
For me, character counts.
