Cam Newton's College Career: From Florida to Auburn, Amidst Rumors and Allegations

Cam Newton's college football career is marked by exceptional talent and success, but also by a series of controversies and rumors that have followed him from the University of Florida to Auburn University. This article explores the various allegations surrounding Newton's time at Florida, the recruitment process involving Mississippi State and Auburn, and the potential NCAA violations that have threatened his eligibility.

Early Career and Transfer from Florida

Newton initially attended the University of Florida (UF) in 2007. However, his time there was cut short. He left the school shortly after a suspension in November 2008. Newton later stated that his decision to transfer was influenced by Tim Tebow's potential return for his senior season.

Academic Cheating Allegations at Florida

In November, FoxSports.com reported that Newton faced potential expulsion from UF for academic cheating. The report detailed three instances of academic dishonesty during his time at Florida. Allegedly, Newton cheated in a class during his freshman year (2007). In another instance (2008), he turned in a paper with another student's name on it. After being caught, he allegedly submitted a paper purchased from the internet.

According to the report, Newton was scheduled to appear before UF's student conduct committee in 2009, but he transferred to Blinn College before that could happen.

Denials and Investigations

Urban Meyer, then the coach at Florida, denied leaking information about Newton's academic record. Meyer stated that such an act would be a "ridiculous claim and simply not true." UF officials also stated that federal law prohibits them from commenting on a student's academic record. However, the university initiated an investigation into whether anyone at the university could have released them in violation of the law. UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said a student affairs official would review Newton's records to see if they matched the report.

Recruitment Controversies

After leaving Florida, Newton attended Blinn College, where he excelled, throwing for 2,833 yards and 22 touchdowns and running for 655 yards and 16 scores. He led the Buccaneers to the 2009 NJCAA national title. As a highly sought-after recruit, he was heavily recruited by several Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools, including Mississippi State and Auburn.

Mississippi State's Interest and Allegations of Payment Demands

Mississippi State seemed a logical choice for Newton because of his relationship with Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen, who was the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Florida from 2005-08.

However, allegations surfaced regarding improper benefits being sought in exchange for Newton's commitment. ESPN.com reported that Kenny Rogers, a former Mississippi State player, allegedly sought $180,000 for Newton to attend Mississippi State. John Bond, a former Mississippi State quarterback, claimed that Rogers told him other schools had already offered $200,000.

Rogers offered more details about the plan to sell Newton’s skills in an interview with Dallas radio station KESN-FM. Rogers said he spoke with Newton’s father, Cecil, on Nov. 27, 2009, about how much money would be required to get Cam Newton to sign a letter of intent to play college football. According to Rogers, Cecil Newton Sr. said it would cost a school “anywhere between $100,000 and $180,000” for a school to sign his son, who is considered the leading contender to win the Heisman Trophy this year. Rogers acknowledged he was involved with Cecil Newton only regarding Mississippi State.

In another Dallas radio interview, with ESPN 103.3 FM, Rogers said he and Cecil Newton initially talked after Cam Newton left the University of Florida after the 2008 season. During that conversation, Rogers said Cecil Newton told him, "It's not gonna be free this time."

Read also: Newton's Learning Express

Bell confirmed that Cecil Newton did ask for money in exchange for Cam Newton signing with Mississippi State.

Auburn's Recruitment and Commitment

Despite the interest from Mississippi State, Newton ultimately committed to Auburn. Before Cam Newton committed to Auburn, one of the Mississippi State recruiters said Cecil Newton told him it would take “more than a scholarship” to land his son, the ESPN.com report said. The recruiter said the school would not be willing to do that. After committing to Auburn, Cam Newton phoned another recruiter and said his father had chosen Auburn because “the money was too much,” according to ESPN.com.

NCAA Investigation and Eligibility

These allegations of improper benefits triggered an NCAA investigation into Newton's recruitment. The NCAA was tasked with determining whether Newton or his representatives had violated any rules regarding amateurism and impermissible benefits.

As of the time of the reports, Newton remained eligible to play for Auburn. He denied accepting any payment for his commitment to Auburn, stating, "I haven't done anything wrong. I'm an Auburn athlete, and I'm still playing for Auburn. I love Auburn, and that's all I've got to say."

Auburn's Response and Support for Newton

Auburn University and its coaching staff stood by Newton throughout the controversies. Coach Gene Chizik defended Newton's character, calling him a "great human being that comes from a great family." Chizik dismissed the academic cheating report as "pure garbage" in an emotional rant. He backed up his quarterback's Heisman Trophy credentials as well as his character.

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs released a statement that defended and supported Newton. Jacobs said, "These allegations and rumors about Cam Newton are unfortunate and sad because they seem intent on tearing down the reputation of a young man who has done everything we've asked him to do. Cam has been and continues to be completely honest with us."

Newton's Success at Auburn

Despite the off-field distractions, Newton excelled on the field for the Auburn Tigers. He became the breakout star of the SEC and perhaps all of college football. He threw for 19 touchdown passes and ran for 15 more. He quickly became a Heisman Trophy favorite, leading the Tigers to an undefeated season.

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