As a life long SEC Football fan, I've seen plenty of controversy, heard more rumors of dollars going to players and have little doubt that through the years boosters have given gifts, jobs and money to athletes and their families. Sometimes it feels as if the major programs are truly unable to stem the tide of influence that boosters are more than willing to try to peddle. What 18-year-old kid, especially one who's grown up without much more than the football jersey on his back, wouldn't be tempted by the cash? $100 handshakes and deep discounts for everything from meals to cars has been a part of the college football landscape for decades. We know it goes on and we try to forgot that Bobby Booster just can't help himself by feeding the beast because Super Ego Bobby wants to think he helped land The Player that got them to the Championship. This year started with a former Heisman winner shipping his trophy back to The Downtown Athletic Club. Now it looks like the leading candidate for this year's award, which is the ultimate individual trophy in college athletics, will be "a person of interest" as the cops like to say. Cameron Newton is his name and the full story is still not known. Did he or his Father seek cash to sign with a school? If it was all his Dad's doing, did Cam Newton know? And what does it mean if he didn't? These are the questions currently swirling around the college football scene. But I got to wondering about another question... one I hadn't heard the pundits talking about. What if the Big Boosters did say "no?" What if the scandal and the probations and the stripping of wins and championships has finally gotten boosters thinking "I'm not doing that" when someone puts their hand out? Could it be? Have we moved into a new era in college athletics? Wouldn't that be something. And maybe, just maybe, it's true.
Cam Newton, with the size, the sizzling arm and graceful moves, is a once-in-a-generation football player. A guy so majestic that you just can't describe how awesome he really is or how easily he blows by linebackers and safeties. A thousand watt smile and plenty of charisma, this out of nowhere, return to grace epic of Cam Newton was by far the most compelling story in all of college football this year. I attended the instant classic Arkansas versus Auburn game with a bunch of Auburn old-timers (sorry guys... but if you were there for the '57 Championship, you are indeed, old timers). These men would come close to tears as they spoke of their newest gridiron hero... the boy-man who was turning Auburn from a nice little team (Citrus Bowl would be good) to BCS contender (I'm making reservations in Glendale). And make no mistake about it, Newton is a huge difference maker. Auburn losses 3-5 games without him, I am certain. But then that stupid ESPN scrolls across your screen and your heart sinks.
"Reports out of Mississippi indicate that a man claiming to represent Cam Newton's father sought $200,000 for Newton to sign with Mississippi." Now I will say this... I'm not sure I'd take $200K to live in Starkville. There are better places to play ball, I assure you. No matter, the asking price was out there and it looks like it's more than a rumor at this point. There's little question in my mind that Daddy was looking for some green before he would let Cam sign the letter of intent. But the buzz that Cam told recruiters at Mississippi that the money was just too good to pass up at Auburn appears to be bunk. And perhaps, the stories of Cecil Newton seeking $180,000 (in three easyplan installments) may be a fabrication, too. But what if Cecil Newton went looking for a deal and got nowhere? Could it be that the folks at Mississippi and Auburn said "No" to the pay-to-play request? Maybe that's why nothing else has surfaced? Perhaps no one can follow the money because there is no money to track?
I sure hope Cam Newton did nothing wrong. I hope his father never asked for anything. And if Pops was seeking some extra benefits, I hope his son had no idea. Perhaps, the NCAA will rule that Cam Newton was not aware of his Dad's efforts but still must be punished for the deeds of his father. Maybe Cam Newton will be suspended for the Alabama game and the SEC Championship. Former QB turned Wide Receiver Cody Burns steps in and leads the Tigers to two more victories and into the BCS Championship Game. Cam Newton shows up in Glendale, apologizes for the sins of his family and then leads the Tigers to their first National Championship in over 50 years. That wouldn't be a bad ending to a situation that looks mighty bleak right now.
Of course, the NCAA will take months to ponder the evidence. They'll come in with a finding of fact and levy a severe blow to poor Auburn University. If there's a Championship won, it will probably be vacated. Another sad story of short-sighted athletes taking the dough instead of recognizing the hero status they can obtain by being good citizens. Reggie Bush would have received a standing ovation and seen his name honored at USC for decades. Cam Newton or his father may have ended up forfeiting millions in endorsements once Cam turns pro. And if he is guilty, Cam will always be associated with a failure of character rather than an example of a fine collegiate athlete. Watching the great ones come back to their campuses for a game and seeing the emotions of their fans as they stroll through the crowd, you wonder what it must feel like to be etched in college football lore. The Bo Jacksons and Hershel Walkers... the Peyton Mannings and Desmond Howards... they come on campus and the fans go nuts. What a great feeling that must be. I hope Cam Newton doesn't miss out on that. I hope Mississippi fans and Auburn fans were smart enough to say no and save him from that shame. The Bible says "A good name is more desirable than great riches." Please, tell me Cam Newton still has a good name.
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