A man representing Cam Newton, Auburn football star and a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, allegedly sought a six-figure payment in the hopes of securing Newton’s national level of intent last year.
John Boyd, a former Mississippi State quarterback, told ESPN.com that one of his former teammates, Kenny Rogers, sought $180,000 from Mississippi State. He promised the school that if Mississippi State paid this sum, Newton would select the school as the one to which he would transfer from junior college. Mississippi State declined and reported Rogers to the SEC.
“Whether guilty or innocent, the presumptive Heisman front-runner now carries an inescapable stigma,” said Stewart Mandel, a writer for SI.com. “The kid with the big smile and postgame exuberance, the highlight-reel runs and pass-efficiency prowess, is now linked to the ugly words ‘extra benefits’ and the eye-popping number $200,000.”
The revelation of the potential back-story behind Newton’s recruitment raises the question of whether the best college football player in the country will be permitted to play out the remainder of the season.
“The fact that it’s even become a question is yet another unfortunate, unsurprising window into the underbelly of college football,” said Mandel, “and another agent-related scandal is always lurking around the corner.”
Auburn is scheduled to play Chattanooga at home this Saturday.
