Cam Newton says he innocent

[djsimp]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5768636

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton says he "didn't do anything wrong" amid allegations that a man tried to secure payment from Mississippi State during the Heisman Trophy hopeful's recruitment.

Newton said Friday just before stepping on the bus to the team's hotel in Montgomery ahead of Saturday's game with Chattanooga that he's "sure the smoke will settle." He says he's holding up just fine, that he's had "worse days."

A person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press on Friday that Auburn has had "no contact whatsoever" with a man who allegedly tried to secure payment from Mississippi State during the recruitment of Newton.


More from ESPN.com
 The NCAA's investigation into the accusations that a man claiming to represent Cam Newton was soliciting a payment for the star QB has raised questions. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach has answers. Story



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 We keep buying into big-time college sports, and big-time college sports keeps selling us out, writes ESPN.com's Johnette Howard. Story

• Ex-QB: Man offered Newton for money


ESPN.com reported Thursday a teammate of John Bond, a Mississippi State quarterback in the 1980s, contacted Bond soon after Newton's official visit to the school during the Ole Miss game in December. He said he was representing Newton and soliciting a six-figure payment.

Sources told ESPN.com Bond's former teammate is Kenny Rogers, who played at Mississippi State from 1982 to '85. Bond told ESPN.com that the former teammate told him other schools had already offered $200,000, but since Newton really liked Mississippi State and had a relationship with head coach Dan Mullen dating to when both were at Florida, Mississippi State could get him for $180,000.

"He said it would take some cash to get Cam," Bond said. "I called our athletic director, Greg Byrne, and he took it from there. That was pretty much it."

Douglas Zeit, Kenny Rogers' lawyer, denied the charge on Friday to ESPN.com.

"The allegations that Mr. Rogers suggested or stated to anyone that Cameron Newton was offered or would take money from any university or Mississippi State University are completely and patently false," Zeit said.

Rogers has a company called Elite Football Preparation, which holds camps in Alabama, Chicago and Mississippi, and matches football prospects with colleges. Calls to the company have gone unanswered.

Rogers has separately come under scrutiny from the NFL Players Association and the NCAA.

The NFLPA has issued a disciplinary complaint against contract adviser Ian Greengross, and spokesman George Atallah told The Associated Press on Friday that the union would be looking into Rogers' involvement with players as well. THE NFLPA identified Rogers as a recruiter for Greengross.

Greengross was cited for "violating numerous provisions of the NFLPA's agent regulations while recruiting and representing players," and, according to the union, is responsible for the actions of his recruiters, employees and associates.

Auburn, in the meantime, has not received a letter of inquiry from the sport's governing body, the person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity.

The person said Newton's eligibility "has at no point been in jeopardy." Newton will play Saturday vs. Chattanooga.

"We have been made aware of the allegation. Unfortunately, we cannot comment at this time," Auburn assistant athletic director, media relations Kirk Sampson said on Thursday. "However, Cam Newton is eligible to play football at Auburn."

Cecil Newton, Cam's father, denied any wrongdoing in an interview with ESPN.com on Thursday.

"If Rogers tried to solicit money from Mississippi State, he did it on his own, without our knowledge," Cecil Newton said.

Cecil Newton is pastor of Holy Zion Center of Deliverance, a small church located in a commercial building in Newnan, Ga., southwest of Atlanta.

Documents obtained Friday by The Associated Press through an open records request show the city has been pressuring the minister to make some $50,000 in repairs to the structure since June 2008. An inspector found multiple problems, including a lack of smoke detectors, sprinklers and rear exits; moldy insulation; faulty wiring; rotting wooden doors and broken windows.

An abandoned structure needed to be demolished behind the church building, according to a letter from the city, and the grass had to be cut because of safety hazards to the public.

The city issued the first of three separate permits for work at the site in May 2009, records show. The town's newspaper, The Times-Herald, quoted Cecil Newton as telling the City Council in September 2009 that the church had the money for the repairs.

But it wasn't until last month that city officials agreed to take the structure off a list of buildings that could be condemned and demolished.

Cecil Newton would not say where his church got the money to perform the improvements required by the city.

"I'm not going to get into something like that," he told The Associated Press in a brief telephone interview Friday.

The city's public information officer, Gina Snider, said the church still isn't allowed to hold services in the building because of its poor condition.

"They have to meet elsewhere," she said Friday.

The minister's son knows what it's like to have to relocate.

Newton decided to leave Florida following a November 2008 arrest after he bought a stolen computer. The charges were dropped last December when he completed a pretrial intervention program for first-time offenders.

Auburn fans have quickly rallied to Newton's defense in the recruiting scandal. A Facebook page supporting the quarterback gained more than 7,400 members less than a day after it was created.

[djsimp]

[RWS]

As far as where the money for the church came from, isn't it perfectly reasonable to assume the money could have came from Newton's older brother who plays in the NFL?

[Townhallsavoy]

As far as where the money for the church came from, isn't it perfectly reasonable to assume the money could have came from Newton's older brother who plays in the NFL?

Exactafuckingmundo, RWS.

But then again, it's not like Cecil Jr is rolling in the dough.  He's probably around the league minimum. 

[djsimp]

As far as where the money for the church came from, isn't it perfectly reasonable to assume the money could have came from Newton's older brother who plays in the NFL?

Hell, I forgot about that and lets not forget that most Churches get a tithe from their members. Anyway, it doesn't sound like too much money has came in considering the things that were requested to fix and that they are still not able to meet at that particular site.

It does seem like the smoke is clearing a little bit which is refreshing to say the least.

[RWS]

Exactafuckingmundo, RWS.

But then again, it's not like Cecil Jr is rolling in the dough.  He's probably around the league minimum.

True, but the league minimum for 1 year experience is $400,0000. I would imagine Jr could swing $50k for his old man, or at the very least, he could easily finance it.

[auburnredwing]

As far as where the money for the church came from, isn't it perfectly reasonable to assume the money could have came from Newton's older brother who plays in the NFL?

I'm wondering if it perfectly reasonable to assume you won't be going to bryant denny to see uat play

[RWS]

I'm wondering if it perfectly reasonable to assume you won't be going to bryant denny to see uat play

Extremely reasonable.

[The Prowler]

I'm wondering if it perfectly reasonable to assume you won't be going to bryant denny to see uat play

He ""tore ligaments in his knee"" being the pivot man to the SPuat players.

[RWS]

He ""tore ligaments in his knee"" being the pivot man to the SPuat players.

I tore my lateral meniscus (which is cartilage, not a ligament) in my left knee at the same time I got a bone contusion on my medial femoral condyle. I know you're not intelligent enough to figure out what any of that is, just thought I would correct you since you're being a dick.

I was getting out of a fire truck, put all my weight on my left leg, then twisted all at the same time. Having the bone marrow in your femur swell up hurts plenty; the meniscus tear was just a big fuck you on top of it.

[The Prowler]

I tore my lateral meniscus (which is cartilage, not a ligament) in my left knee at the same time I got a bone contusion on my medial femoral condyle. I know you're not intelligent enough to figure out what any of that is, just thought I would correct you since you're being a dick.

I was getting out of a fire truck, put all my weight on my left leg, then twisted all at the same time. Having the bone marrow in your femur swell up hurts plenty; the meniscus tear was just a big fuck you on top of it.

This one time, at band camp....

[djsimp]

Wow! You guys need to check this out and read the comments below:
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/rogers-audio-no-contact-with-bond-for-20-years-29211

Two points that I would like to point out. Wasn't Bond quoted as saying Rogers called him directly about getting money? Also, the more I read, the more I am hearing Urban Meyers name. Over on the the auburneagle, Kiehl Fraziers dad posted that from what he knows, and what he can say, is

I can assure you all, that when the go-ahead is given, Auburn University is going to respond and they're going to do so with a heavy hand.

That is all i am at liberty to say.

[AUChizad]

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/05/cam-newton-alleged-middleman-deny-wrongdoing/

Cam Newton, alleged middleman deny wrongdoing

Posted by John Taylor on November 5, 2010, 9:33 PM EDT
Following up on what’s fast becoming the story of the college football season, Cam Newton has addressed the accusations that someone acting on the Newton family’s behalf solicited payment in return for the quarterback’s football talents on their campus.

And, as expected, the Auburn player denied anything untoward occurred on his end.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Newton said according to Auburn Undercover. “I’m blessed to be at Auburn right now. I’m sure the smoke will settle. I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

Right now, there’s not only a tremendous amount of smoke that needs to settle as Newton noted, but perhaps a fire or two that needs to be extinguished as well.  And, much like Newton, one of the pivotal figures in the burgeoning scandal — Kenny Rogers — grabbed a fire hose Friday night and attempted to douse the flames.

Former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond told ESPN.com that a person who claimed to represent Newton and was a former MSU teammate of his was seeking between $180,000 and $200,000 from schools while Newton was being recruited last year.  Bond claimed that the person, who ESPN.com identified as former Bulldogs player Kenny Rogers, contacted him shortly after Newton’s official visit to Mississippi State in December and said it would take cash to get the quarterback.

Appearing on ESPN-1300 in Dallas, Rogers categorically and emphatically denied all of the accusations that have been made against him, accusations that triggered what is now a months-long NCAA investigation.

“Heck no. I’ve never done that,” Rogers said when asked if he had been paid to steer Newton to a school. “A school has never paid me for a kid, an alumni has never paid me for a kid. Period. Point blank.”

Rogers said he has never spoken to anyone associated with Auburn about Newton — “No. No. No. None at all. None at all. None at all.” — and that he has spoken to MSU head coach Dan Mullen on just one occasion, when he was introduced to the coach by Newton’s father.  Rogers also claimed that he hasn’t spoken to Bond in over 20 years, while Bond said the two spoke late last year.

So, again, we’re back to a he-said he-said situation, with no-grey-area accusations being met by explicit denials from the accused.  In other words, either Bond is lying or Rogers is lying.

Short of a damning paper trail — the NCAA has asked for financial records from Newton’s father and his churches — this investigation seems as though it will come down to one man’s word against that of another.  And I have no clue where my money would go, so to speak, on who’s telling the truth.  Guess that’s why the NCAA gets paid the big bucks…

[AUChizad]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/11/kenny-rogers-denies-asking-for-money-during-cam-newtons-recruitment/1

Kenny Rogers denies asking for money during Cam Newton's recruitment
08:45 AM

Kenny Rogers, the man alleged to have solicited money during the recruitment of Cam Newton, denied any wrongdoing during an interview with a radio station in Dallas.

Rogers was accused by former Mississippi State teammate John Bond for allegedly asking for money to steer Newton to the Bulldogs during his recruitment last year.

"Heck no," Rogers said Friday night on 103.3 ESPN. "I've never done that. A school has never paid me for a kid, an alumni has never paid me for a kid. Period. Point blank."

Rogers also said he has not spoken to Bond in "over 20 years." But he did admit to a relationship with Newton's father, Cecil, during the recruiting process as Cam Newton was looking for a school after playing at Blinn College.

Discussions were about "about the culture of Mississippi State because it was a small town," Rogers said. "We would just talk back and forth about Mississippi State," Rogers said.

Rogers said Cecil Newton introduced him to Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen on one occasion.

Cecil Newton spoke with USA TODAY on Friday and said he never received money during his son's recruitment.

Newton eventually signed with Auburn and is the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy with five weeks left in the regular season.

Rogers said he did not have any contact with Auburn.

"No. No. No," Rogers repeated. "None at all. None at all. None at all."

[JR4AU]

Wow! You guys need to check this out and read the comments below:
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/rogers-audio-no-contact-with-bond-for-20-years-29211

Two points that I would like to point out. Wasn't Bond quoted as saying Rogers called him directly about getting money? Also, the more I read, the more I am hearing Urban Meyers name. Over on the the auburneagle, Kiehl Fraziers dad posted that from what he knows, and what he can say, is

According to all I've read, Bond was never QUOTED as saying that, but that he was CONTACTED.   It was reported that he was contacted.  His live interview I heard said "yeah, there were 2 in between, but that's basically what happened".   Need to distinguish what was reported from what he said.

[AUChizad]

So in conclusion, I'm trying to figure out who to hate here.

I no longer think it's Rogers.

I'm thinking Bond is the asshole here. Basically he heard from a guy that heard from a guy that heard from a guy that Rogers said it would take cash to get Cam. So all this stink was over a rumor about a vague comment really, not even an accusation per se.

Cam's dad in all likelihood talked to Bond. He was an ex-MSU QB. Why would he not ask him about the culture at MSU if he had access to him? Everyone's denying it now. Interesting...

[JR4AU]

So in conclusion, I'm trying to figure out who to hate here.

I no longer think it's Rogers.

I'm thinking Bond is the asshole here. Basically he heard from a guy that heard from a guy that heard from a guy that Rogers said it would take cash to get Cam. So all this stink was over a rumor about a vague comment really, not even an accusation per se.

Cam's dad in all likelihood talked to Bond. He was an ex-MSU QB. Why would he not ask him about the culture at MSU if he had access to him? Everyone's denying it now. Interesting...

You do realize that If I call you and offer you money directly, or send someone with a message to offer you money, or send someone with a message to someone else to deliver a message...that's contact, by me, and amounts to the same thing.  Is it harder to prove, but factually, it's me contacting you wheter fact to face, electronically, or through an intermediary.  And now you're reaching for things that don't matter to Auburn really.  IF Bond was contacted and was told "I was told to deliver this message to you" or contacted and told "I heard this rumor" the effect is the same with regard to him reporting it to his AD. 

The only parties to hate at this point, and we don't know who...yet...are the ones in the media that held this hit until Nov 4th 2010 when they knew about it as early as Jan. 2010

[djsimp]

According to all I've read, Bond was never QUOTED as saying that, but that he was CONTACTED.   It was reported that he was contacted.  His live interview I heard said "yeah, there were 2 in between, but that's basically what happened".   Need to distinguish what was reported from what he said.

I agree but this quote certainly implies that Rogers told him directly and also the way it was portrayed throughout the media until Bonds later said it came through two other people.

Former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond told ESPN.com that a teammate of Bond's at Mississippi State in the early 1980s contacted him soon after Newton's official visit to Mississippi State during the Ole Miss game in December, and said he was representing Newton.

"He said it would take some cash to get Cam," Bond said

[djsimp]

I would love to pick Keihl Fraziers dad for more info.

[JR4AU]

I agree but this quote certainly implies that Rogers told him directly and also the way it was portrayed throughout the media until Bonds later said it came through two other people.

Media fucks shit up all the time.  And technically, as I said "contact" is contact whether indirect or direct.  Jay Evans-Barker was saying this all morning yesterday correcting folks about who "contacted" who.   Bond, the way he said it in his interview, basically said "yeah he contacted me, but did it through 2 other people".  He implied that the contact was ordered to be made, and the message was from Rogers.   Could there be a legal distinction here?  MAYBE...a common sense distinction?  Not really.  If I deliver you a message directly or through a runner, it's my message to you.