Enough Trash CAMpaign

Had your fill of the Cam Newton saga yet?

We could be discussing an exciting end to the college football season, but the media conversation has turned to the alleged solicitation and possible payment of huge money to the star Auburn quarterback. Most of the constant reports do not center on the Tigers, although it is heavily implied that Auburn boosters must have paid six-figure sums to Newton (and family) for his commitment. Instead, the ‘news’ is generating from Mississippi State, Florida and anywhere else where someone can throw out a controversial quote.

Where were all of these issues last winter? Or even this summer? What are the agendas of those who are leaking Newton accusations? While it is hard to believe Newton and his father are innocent as far as getting paid, the motives of the accusers have to be called into question as well. Mississippi State, not exactly a bastion of recruiting ethics in the past, seems like a jilted lover when it comes to losing out on the Auburn star. When did their morality play kick in—ten thousand dollars, fifty thousand dollars, or was it from dollar one? It would be a nice sentiment if the MSU ‘representatives’ were just trying to help clean up a dirty situation, but you have to be a little skeptical in my opinion.

The timing of the academic cheating accusations out of Florida was particularly interesting. Nothing has been made public for two years, but then new issues surface when a former Gator is leading another squad to the top of the polls? Whether Urban Meyer or one of his staffers was behind it or not, this story sure seems like an attempt to explain why Newton isn’t making plays in Gainesville to a disappointed fan base.

And then there’s the Heisman issue of whether or not to vote for Newton if he might get in future trouble. When did this become such a concern? The next logical candidate after Newton is Oregon’s LaMichael James, who was suspended for the season opener after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor harassment charge involving his former girlfriend. And does anyone who follows college football closely—not those columnists and radio hosts in big northeast markets who barley cover the season—believe the award has been relevant since the ‘80s anyway? From Gino Torretta to Charles Woodson to Eric Crouch, the Heisman has become nothing more than a glorified ‘Espy’.

I have had enough of the ‘he-said, she-said’ madness. It’s time for tangible proof, whether that’s a recording of Newton’s father soliciting money or some record of cash being paid. Cases like this can take a long time to investigate, especially when it’s the NCAA doing the work. However, we need to be patient and let the process take place. That’s not an easy concept in a 24/7 sports reporting world, with networks trying to create content for every minute of the day.

To all of those trying to find the next scandalous quote involving Newton, I channel Jerry Maguire and say “Show me the money!”. That’s where this story will end.