One and done: Auburn QB Cam Newton goes pro
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Auburn Tigers quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton decided to enter the NFL draft as the NCAA and FBI continue their dual investigations into his recruitment.
Newton did a staged softball video interview with an Auburn flack as the school hid behind a joint statement it released on the team’s website. No tough questions from hard-nosed journalists, just BS puffery issued in a controlled environment.
“This decision was difficult for me and my family,” Newton said. “After talking to Coach Chizik and Coach Malzahn, I think it is best that I make that next step in my career and forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft.”
“It was a very hard decision for me, especially after coming off the great season we had at Auburn,” Newton said. “I’m blessed to have been around an excellent environment and have great teammates, coaches and support from the Auburn family.”
Newton helped lead Auburn to a perfect 14-0 record and the BCS National Championship. He rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 scores. He’s expected to be a first-round draft pick.
“We appreciate Cameron’s many contributions to Auburn and the outstanding leader that he was for our football team,” Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said. “He had one of the greatest individual seasons ever by an Auburn player and was a key part of our championship run. Cam will always be a member of the Auburn family and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Newton’s decision to cash in and go pro comes the same week that Auburn claimed the No. 1 spot in the country. Following Auburn’s victory in the BCS title game, his radioactive father, Cecil, suddenly appeared in the stands to congratulate his son even though he told Auburn he wouldn’t be there. It was yet another act of dishonesty.
Cecil Newton, a minister, was given “limited access” to Auburn’s athletic program ever since the NCAA determined that he shopped his son’s services to Mississippi State during the recruiting process. Newton asked for $180,000, but Mississippi State declined the pay-for-play deal. Cam Newton was declared ineligible for a day after the NCAA ruled that there was a “violation of amateurism rules” as a result of the pay-for-play scheme.
So, Cam Newton’s controversial college football career is finally over. He’ll make millions. His father will be able to continue his arrogant rogue behavior.
You have to wonder. Have the Auburn Tigers become the sacrificial lamb? Will the school be forced to vacate its entire undefeated season and BCS National Championship because of Cecil “The Pimp” Newton’s actions?
I get the feeling that somehow Auburn just got screwed.
