Mississippi newspaper: SEC refutes ESPN claim

[AUChizad]

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=13487259

Mississippi newspaper: SEC refutes ESPN claim

Posted: Nov 11, 2010 3:07 PM CST

STARKVILLE, MS (WSFA) - The word "source" might as well be a curse word these last few days as the Cam Newton allegations have grown. The only thing many football fans find more appalling are the words "unnamed source".

With that in mind, a Mississippi newspaper is citing a source of its own in the ongoing scandal, and this one is actually named.

Brandon Marcello of the Clarion Ledger in Starkville, Mississippi is reporting that a named SEC spokesman, Charles Bloom, is refuting a potentially very damaging report by ESPN.com reporter Joe Schad. Schad reported that two sources, unnamed, forwarded information regarding both Cam Newton and his father Cecil that directly implicated the two in a 'pay-for-play' scheme.

Bloom reports that Marcello, in an email response, said "The SEC never received information from MSU about phone calls with the Newtons about pay for play."

MSU admitted publicly Wednesday to sending information about Newton to the SEC in January, but a follow-up with the SEC was done for six months. MSU said other eligibility issues not related to football helped slow down their follow-up.

Newton signed with the Auburn Tigers on Dec. 31, 2009 and has helped lift the team to the #2 spot in the BCS. A Heisman Trophy race is second only to a national championship race at Auburn though a cloud of controversy hangs over both races.

Auburn plays rival Georgia this weekend in Auburn. Newton has said publicly that allegations surrounding his recruitment are not going to affect him. AU coach Gene Chizik says Newton will play Saturday and remains eligible both athletically and academically.

An NCAA investigation continues, though the NCAA has not issued any public statements. To date, none of the recruitment allegations surrounding Newton have been proven.

Finally!!!