Cam Newton Saga: The Story That Won’t SleepJuly 22, 2011 | 10:15 AMComments: 0By Barrett SalleeIn case you've been living in a cave, you already know that the annual SEC Media Days event is taking place this week at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala. If you're new to the phenomenon, SEC Media Days is less about finding out actual information; and more about rumor, partying and - for some odd reason - watching people stare at an escalator.With those parameters in mind, the 2011 edition of SEC Media Days has certainly lived up to its reputation.While the event is supposed to be the kickoff to the season to come, the season in the rear view mirror has taken center stage in Hoover.Danny Sheridan, a sports analyst best known as an oddsmaker for USA Today, made the biggest waves, proclaiming on The Paul Finebaum Radio Network on Wednesday that Cam Newton was paid to go to Auburn University by someone (who he claims did not graduate from Auburn University).If you recall, all parties have admitted that Newton's father, Cecil Newton, had a conversation with Mississippi State boosters regarding a potential pay-for-play scheme for his son's services. Sheridan claims to have sources that have sources that believe that the NCAA knows who the "bag man" for Cecil Newton was; and believes that the NCAA is actively trying to get this "bag man" to talk.Third-hand information aside, let's really think about this. In order for you to believe Danny Sheridan, you must first believe that he scooped hundreds of reporters - some of whom are being paid to chase this story, AND ONLY this story.If you believe that, then good for you, but you're far less skeptical than me. If you believe Sheridan, it's because you want to believe his story; because believing that an oddsmaker - who happens to also be an alum of the University of Alabama - got the scoop of the century on Cam Newton is WAY too much of a stretch for me.Considering that the Newton saga was probably the single-most discussed story during Auburn's BCS Championship run, Sheridan's anecdote quickly spread across the airwaves and the Internet. But it seems more like a Hail Mary than a shot across the bow.Matt Hayes of The Sporting News caught up with Sheridan at Media Days on Thursday, where he was asked point blank what the odds were that the information Sheridan shared with Finebaum was accurate."50-50," said Sheridan.Drop. Cup.Finebaum's show is theater, which is part of the reason it's so popular. The host, cast of callers, and - in this case - guest, all play roles to agitate one side or the other, often leading to tragically entertaining radio. But when you're one of the biggest radio shows in the southeast, and you let unsourced rumor hit the airwaves during one of the biggest media events of the year, that's simply irresponsible.Sheridan has made a career as an oddsmaker, but he's not a reporter. Eighteen months after the information was first turned over to the SEC by Mississippi State, there has been no connection to Auburn University. If one exists, I can say with certainty that it won't be revealed by Danny Sheridan.This stunt on The Paul Finebaum Radio Network seems less like an attempt to break news, and more like an attempt for Sheridan to maintain relevancy during a highly-visible time on the SEC calendar.That's sad.
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