The investigation into Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Newton is now two-pronged. In addition to the NCAA investigating allegations that Newton’s father solicited money for his son to play college football, the FBI has gotten involved.
The FBI was led to the Newton case while investigating Milton McGregor, the owner of a greyhound racing track called “Victoryland” in Alabama. McGregor was one of 11 people arrested around six weeks ago for trying to buy votes in favor of pro-gambling legislature. McGregor also happens to be a major Auburn booster, having donated $1 million to the new Auburn basketball arena in 2008.
So if this crook was bribing politicians to pass pro-gambling legislation, and he’s also a major Auburn donor, doesn’t it sound to reason that he might be involved with a payment to a high-profile player like Cam Newton, particularly if around $200,000 were needed to sign the man? Of course, but that’s not the story his lawyer, Joe Espy, would like you to believe:
“Contrary to postings on celebrity and sports blogs, Milton McGregor has never had any contact direct or indirect with Cam Newton, Cecil Newton – Cam’s father, Kenny Rogers or anyone purporting to represent Cam Newton. Mr. McGregor has never been asked to provide money for any recruitment or compensation of any current or perspective student athlete including Cam Newton at Auburn or any other school, and has never provided any type of compensation in that regard period no exceptions. As a proud supporter of Auburn University Mr. Mcgregor wants it known that he does cheer loudly for Cam Newton and thinks he is the best athlete in college football.”
Let’s examine that statement and show why it is meaningless.
Contrary to postings on celebrity and sports blogs, Milton McGregor has never had any contact direct or indirect with Cam Newton, Cecil Newton – Cam’s father, Kenny Rogers or anyone purporting to represent Cam Newton.
McGregor never had to have any contact with those men. He doesn’t have to be involved with any of this on a personal level in order to provide money that pays off Auburn recruits. All he has to do is donate to the Tigers Unlimited booster fund.
Mr. McGregor has never been asked to provide money for any recruitment or compensation of any current or perspective student athlete including Cam Newton at Auburn or any other school, and has never provided any type of compensation in that regard period no exceptions.
Darn straight he never was asked — he was already volunteering to do so! Once again, he donates money to the football booster fund and then can say he washes his hands of it from there. The people running the fund manage the payments to players and their families, or whomever is involved. This is how it’s been going on for years.
As a proud supporter of Auburn University Mr. Mcgregor wants it known that he does cheer loudly for Cam Newton and thinks he is the best athlete in college football.
Total freaking homer. Doesn’t that sound like a man who would toss in 100K if it helped his school land a player that might be able to beat Bama in the Iron Bowl?
It’s pretty obvious that Cecil Newton wanted nearly $200K for his son to play for Mississippi State. It seems pretty obvious that Auburn paid up to get Cam and that the money was funneled through their booster fund. That’s how they’ve been doing things forever, and that would make Cam ineligible.
