Cam Newton: The Definitive End

Yesterday by letter, the NCAA affirmed what most Auburn Tiger fans already knew, or believed. No major infractions at Auburn University in regards to the recruitment of eventual Heisman winning quarterback, Cam Newton.
It's been an interesting last 24 hours since the news broke. The Finebaum groupies and redneck support show was, as usual, full of non-sense and self-proclaimed insiders defending reps. Well known bloggers are still sure they're right, and Cam was on the take. Shoot, pulling into my hotel here in Tallahassee tonight, I'm listening to a radio show where the host is talking about how "over it" he is, while at the same time asking Auburn fans to remove their orange and blue glasses and really try to understand just how implausible it is that Cam didn't know and that Cecil HAD to have gotten paid. He went into the usual list of misconceptions, assumptions and fabrications, and it hit me...
How could he know any better?
He probably couldn't. Why? What does he have to work with in known facts? Not much. That's the problem here and why so many have problems "getting over it". Hell, if all I constantly heard on radio and TV how Cam had said, "The money was too much at Auburn", or how Cecil admitted to shopping his son for amounts of $180K plus, I'd be outraged, or at least stunned also.
Here's the problem though. Here's the reason most AU fans have had relative peace of mind despite those statements... THEY ARE INACCURATE.
When Joe Schad's report came out to follow up Mark Schlabach, Pat Forde and Chris Low's breaking story on Kenny Roger's pay-for-play actions on behalf of Mississippi State, he cited an "anonymous source" who claimed Cam Newton had placed an emotional call in the aftermath of his commitment to Auburn. During that call, Schad's still anonymous source claims Newton said "...but the money was too much." Notice anything missing?
Enter the childhood game of Telephone. In this schoolhouse game, a teacher will give a note or message to a particular student or child. This child then turns and whispers the given message to another child. This continues until the last child has been given the message. Most often the message is a completely different message than the original. It is a game that teaches kids to pay attention and to take care in relaying information so that the end user has correct information.
The Cam Newton barrage following Schad's report became a large game of Telephone between every blog, AP writer in need of a follow up story on the sensational QB seemingly now on the take. The story morphed and grew and grew. Everybody short of the late J. Edgar Hoover was supposedly investigating AU and the infamous Newton. The Newton saga was tied to every story it could be linked to via message boards and the off-kiltered crazies on late afternoon radio.
Nobody, or source, has ever come forward to admit taking that call where Cam gave his tearful reasonings. No backup from Schad. No accusations from the known participants from Mississippi State indicting Newton for saying such a thing.  Oh...and the missing part? "...at Auburn." That was never reported by anyone, but is the single most repeated and pointed to statement by Cam detractors. However, nobody can come up with a source for it. It's a message misdelivered by overzealous media looking to create a story. Period.
So what about Cecil Newton. Certainly he "shopped" Cam. The NCAA proved that! Right? Wrong. The NCAA found, and Cecil admitted to having "discussions" with Kenny Rogers acting on behalf of MSU. That's it.  Not a single other person from a single other university has reported improper solicitations from Cecil or anyone else associated with Newton and his recruitment. Cecil Newton on the rare occassions he has spoken has chosen to not talk about the investigation and simply points to the NCAA findings.
In the summer leading into this current season, Auburn was courting another one year QB in a position to make the biggest bang he could with one last remaining year of eligibility, Russel Wilson.  In the end, although Auburn appealed to Wilson, the smarter long term decision led him to a much more experienced and deep Wisconsin Badger team.  Nobody has cried foul, and is an absolutely reasonable reason to choose one school over another.
Cam Newton faced this same decision before last season.  Take out Cecil's known conversation with Kenny Rogers and ask yourself if it's any different than Wilson's decision this year.  Cam Newton chose the deeper, more experienced Auburn team over a rebuilding and inexperienced MSU.  It's not a brain busting or puzzling decision.
So, black helicopter pilots, isn't it JUST (if not more) likely that Kenny Rogers arranged that conversation with Cecil in attempt to lure a waivering commitment to MSU from Newton?  If Newton listened and admitted to having those discussions with Rogers, is it really all that hard to think he might have kept it to himself and not shared it with his family?  I don't think most reasonable folks would think so either.
The bottom line is that Cecil discussed money for play at MSU.  Nobody knows for sure if the call, Schad report's, actually happened.  Schad himself has never even followed up on it.  At minimum, Cam never said "at Auburn" in any reported conversation about cash for play.
So to the Thayer's, Schad's, Brook's, Travis's, Finebaums, self-proclaimed Legends, Dr. Saturdays, and others that chose, or continue to choose innuendo or believe only the passed along note whispered between the mutually unknowing, this Heisman pose is for you.
You don't even need to wait for legal proceedings, wire taps, gambling trials, cell phone voicemails, or blowhards paid to throttle the company line to see it.  Its right in front of you.
For AU fans, we (if I may steal a partial line from Mr. Samuel L. Jackson) don't need to do anything but love Auburn...and...well...
Chop

Thank You, Dr. Emmert/ NCAA

Today, the NCAA and people being held hostage by misinformation (not just Auburn) and propaganda took a step forward when the NCAA took an unusual step, and put a halt to rumor and innuendo by at least one attention seeker in Danny Sheridan.

In a statement released earlier this evening, after Danny Sheridan and Paul Finebaum appeared on ESPN's "Outside The Lines" hosted by Bob Levy, the NCAA posted the following on their website, NCAA.org:

Danny Sheridan continues to make vague, unsubstantiated claims without backing them up with proof. Contrary to his claims of having an inside source with details on the Auburn investigation, the NCAA has not provided information to Sheridan or anyone else.  As a matter of due diligence, the NCAA spoke with Sheridan this week to determine if he had any facts pertaining to the investigation. Sheridan, however, did not provide any information to the enforcement staff and certainly did not provide a name. Instead, he unsuccessfully attempted to gather information for his own use.

Today, the NCAA took a step in realizing that in today's ultra-information ready age, that getting to the heart and creators of these misinformation trumpeters is paramount.  It can not, and if they continue to make these type of statements, will not be undermined as an enforcing institution of rules. 

I would like to take a moment to applaud the NCAA for the statement they made today.

People like Paul Finebaum NEED stories and information to fester in order to survive in an environment that caters to those that are entertained by drama, manufactured or otherwise.  It's a segment of entertainment only and should be viewed as such.  Paul Finebaum clings to the idea that he's still a journalist, but by very clear example, he's failed in every single regard to be held in such company.  He's a carnival barker.  He's a ring leader.  He's simply cracking whips and directing animal traffic through cages and tossing air balls to clapping seals.  Nothing more.

Until ESPN realizes the same, and after today, I'm hoping in some small fashion it might be sinking in, quits regarding Paul Finebaum as the columnist and legitimate opinion maker he once was years ago, and leaves him on hold when offering his services and getting his mug on TV to spread more nonsensical blither to the nation that would be better off tuning in to Judge Judy.

Open Letter To Mark Emmert/ NCAA

To Mr. Emmert,

As the 2011 football season draws near, attention will start to turn to the pageantry, traditions and true love of the total package that is college football.  Kids will don their jerseys, little faces will get painted up with their favorite mascot's paws, claws and such.  The air outside will fill with the pure bliss that is barbecued boston butts, hot dogs, steaks and burgers.  Cold beverages will be consumed and friends that might see each other on one to seven occasions a year will toss a football back and forth while reminiscing about years and games past.  It is a time of year unparalleled by any other. 

This will even happen at Auburn, AL next weekend when the 2010 National Champion Auburn Tigers begin their 2011 campaign against Utah State University at Jordan-Hare Stadium.  This will happen even despite the cloud that has been allowed to hang over our program by any and all that would rather see Auburn embarrassed, than be able to enjoy our great traditions.  Allowed is the appropriate word, Mr. Emmert.  Despite that, the Auburn Family moves forward.

As evidenced by the NCAA's policy to not comment on "ongoing" investigations, we've not heard a word on where Auburn stands in the eyes of the NCAA in regards to the Cam Newton investigation.  Auburn fans can appreciate the stance the NCAA has put forth, and take comfort that we've still to date, not received any notifications by letter that Auburn is actually under investigation.  However, we are constantly allowed to take punishment in the national media due to inaction to address openly, the blatant lies build on the shaky premise that you, and the NCAA will not be speaking up any time soon to correct, or clarify.

This is why this is addressed to you, Mr. Emmert.  When you go on national radio, and do not clarify your positions, while actually telling and giving permission to opinion makers to do just that, opine and offer up more attacks, you attack by proxy the very things that Auburn people love and cherish.  As a protector first, of the NCAA and its participants, I would hope that you take into consideration the irreparable damage you've allowed to happen to Auburn.  I would certainly hope you would never go on a national show and actually tell people to "have their assumptions".  It is a terrible thing to say to anyone in this day and time.

While it is appreciable that the NCAA would rather not comment on open investigations, like in criminal investigations, the fact is you're not a body of criminal investigation.  In today's world of social media, and with the popularity of opinion maker radio, a simple opinion or remark can go from ten to one hundred thousand in seconds, and then be taken as fact.  This is not a world where you can keep information to yourself, and expect it to be a tool for protection of the institution in question.  In fact, it's turned into the very thing opinion radio and social hacks are able to use against the university and NCAA in indefinite measure.

In closing, sir, I would ask that you look at your policies as people like Danny Sheridan are allowed to go on programs such as "Outside the Lines" on ESPN to spout hearsay and already debunked conjecture against Auburn.  I implore you to ask yourself if allowing national opinion makers is really the appropriate response when a university's integrity, standing, their loving fans, alumni and business partners are hanging in the balance?  Is it the appropriate response anymore when the NCAA's reputation is directly tied to the proper/improper handling of such issues?  I'm not sure the NCAA, or yourself have asked yourselves these very important questions.   I would hope you will do so, soon.  For all of our sake.

Thank you, and in sincere regards,

Chop

More Fictional Characters

There's nothing in the world that people love more than fictional characters.  They make you laugh.  They make you cry.  They can even, while dealing with fantasy land level gooberisms, make one re-evaluate one's self. 

I've enjoyed several in my lifetime.  Characters from cartoons and movies that hung on my wall as a kid, and some that even instilled values.  I mean, who couldn't remember respecting the way Inigo Montoya persevered and pursued for the love of his murdered father in "A Princess Bride".  Who didn't praise Goose for keeping Maverick focused when he was blowing his shot at spiking a blond, errr... I mean opportunity of a lifetime in "Top Gun".  In "Cedar Rapids", a naive young sales person goes to a new world and learns that things might not quite be as advertised and grows up before your eyes.  Even a 40 year old virgin can find love.  Fictional characters.

However, there are other types of fictional characters that people just come to loathe.  People like the bad guys in superhero movies.  Even the sometimes lovable Dr. Evil in "Austin Powers" can't seem to just get on the ball and kill the hero.  No, it's always some long drawn out plan that never seems to work in the end.  So, you end up annoyed at someone that really isn't worth more than a collective, "damn" and a laugh.

Danny Sheridan is becoming such a character.  While Danny may be very real, his stories of bagmen and contacts with NCAA level folks has more twists and turns than an M. Night Shayamalan movie.

A few weeks back, Danny Sheridan decided to speak up and capitalize on a few day old story that Gene Chizik had an exchange with an NCAA official at the summer meetings a few weeks before.  It eventually came out that the exchange was much less combative than most would like you to believe, but under the current scrutiny Auburn finds itself in, it had enough legs to at least Dodo bird itself across the beach for a few days before going extinct again.

Appearing on Finebaum during SEC Media Days, Sheridan proclaimed that the investigation into Cam Newton had really "revved" up after Chizik's comments.  Really?  Well, being that NCAA investigations are generally very slow to develop, devoid of any rhyme, reason and generally are extremely tight lipped, how did Danny know?  Well, Danny couldn't wait to talk about his friendship and connections with people inside the NCAA.  Hell, he'd been good buddies for 30 plus years!  There's no way people should doubt him!  The Bama fringe goes crazy for days.  Not only was Danny saying that the investigation had ramped up, but in fact they knew of a "bagman".  They were simply working on this poor soul to see if he was going to come forward.  Without him, the NCAA's case was pretty much closed.  Danny gave a 50/50 chance that NCAA would find any fault against Cam Newton.  It was up in the air.  Just ignore the fact, that if the NCAA already knew/ knows of a bagman, there is NO NEED for this witness to come forward.  It's over and the gig is up.

Fast forward a week.... 

Paul Finebaum, while wading through the tired same smattering of sadness that is his calling base gets a call about halfway through the third of four hours.  "Hey Pawwwwl!  Did you hear Danny Sheridan today on that Atlanta station?"  "Yeah, he said that now there's a witness in the Cam Newton case!  Did you hear that, Pawwwwwl?  A witness!"   Shocked, Paul calls and hunts down Sheridan and WHAMMO... 

Paul fifteen minutes later, "Danny Sheridan in the fourth hour to discuss a possible new development in the Cam Newton case!"

Let me describe the ultimate fail that happened next...

A summary... if you will...

Paul: Hello Danny.  I hear you might have some news on the Cam Newton investigation.  What's up?

Danny: (Fail starts immediately) Well, no.  It's basically what I told you last week, Paul.  I've decided to call the "bagman" a "witness". 

Paul:  Silence......

Danny: Yes, a witness. 

***NOTE: After Danny's appearance on F'baum the prior week at SEC Media Days, the media collective on Danny Sheridan was not positive.  His story was not viewed as credible and writers such as Dennis Dodd and other national folks paid more attention to his pink shirt.  It hurt Danny's feelings...

Danny continues:  You see Paul, all those so called writers that think I don't know what I'm talking about don't know what they're saying.  They'll learn.  Do you doubt me, Paul?

Paul:  Silence...   Umm...

Danny:  I'll tell you what Paul, I know what I'm talking about and I've got to say that people talking about me like they know me are making them all look foolish.  They call me an oddsmaker and would rather focus on why I'm talking with people at the NCAA, Paul!!!  Why?  I'm NOT an oddsmaker, Paul.  That's not what I do.  Besides, my friend is a friend of a friend with the NCAA.  I don't talk with anyone at the NCAA.  It's my friend.  You KNOW that Paul.  Right?

Paul:  Umm...  Uhh....

Danny: Look, I'll put a seven figure bet on it Paul.  You doubt me if you want.  Give me two weeks.  Give me two weeks and I'll have you a name Paul.  The NCAA has a witness.  A name, and I'll give it to you in a week or two.  You just wait.

Paul: Okay, Sounds very interesting Danny.  I know you probably will.

END OF CALL.....

Paul then goes on and on about how he's been right before and then decides to open it back up for the last fifteen minutes of phone calls to fill in a then predictable hodgepodge of "hammer's comin'" talk from the mouthbreather collective that hoard to his show in hopes that the Auburn "situation" of 2010 didn't actually occur.

What Danny Sheridan needs to understand is that he opened this can of worms himself.  He's now put himself in a place where it's impossible not to deliver.  He sounded desperate then.  He sounds desperate now.

Earlier today, @DannySheridan1 (Danny's Twitter handle) posted that he had been given a name that "allegedly" the NCAA "feels" paid Cecil Newton. 

The Bama fringe went crazy.  Is anyone surprised?  I'm not.

What does Danny accomplish by doing this?  An "alleged" name that they "feel" mighta woulda coulda shoulda?  Didn't we learn this lesson already about tapes, wiretaps and people like Scott Moore who's been relegated to the confides of places like "As the Plains Burn"?  

This week is sure to be pivotal one way or the other.  Probably more for a large number of Bama fans that are either going to start realizing that Danny Sheridan could deliver a banana split to Paul with more meaning than the name he brings, or they'll continue to hang in the balance perpetually until until the only hammer they see is the one we all see at the end of our own times.

So... In the words of one of my favorite fictional characters, Judge Smails, "Welllll.  We're waiting...."