Former Yahoo! Sports writer Bryan Fischer and Pete Thamel, the New York Times' college sports reporter, both hit Twitter moments apart with reports that Auburn Tigers QB Cam Newton is a target of NCAA investigation. The Heisman front-runner transferred from Florida after finding he'd be stuck behind Tim Tebow on the Gators depth chart for a year longer than expected. The College Park native's re-recruitment came down to Auburn and the Mississippi St. Tigers, with his father having the final say and choosing Auburn.
That last part about his father relates to a longtime college football message boards rumor -- according to legend, Newton's dad acted as his agent. Again, rumor. Could be the rumor that kicked off this investigation to begin with. No announcements have been made so far regarding Newton's upcoming eligibility, but Georgia Bulldogs fans should be very, very interested to learn what happens next. The Dawgs travel to Auburn in nine days.
This is apparently all unrelated to the North Carolina Tar Heels scandal that's been snaking around college football for months.
From two different reporters at pretty much the same time:
Source: NCAA looking at Cam Newton for possibly receiving extra benefits.
Bryan Fischer
BryanDFischer
BREAKING NEWS: We have on-record confirmation the NCAA is investigating the recruitment of Cameron Newton.
Pete Thamel
PeteThamelNYT
John Bond, a former Mississippi State quarterback said today that "a payment had to be made" for Newton to play there. Miss State declined.Pete Thamel
PeteThamelNYT