While Auburn University quarterback Cameron Newton has had to overcome more than tacklers in his well-chronicled, redemptive run to college football stardom, his dad has been scrambling in recent days to explain his own actions.
READ: Covering Cam: Behind Mark Winne's Exclusive
A source close to the situation exclusively told Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne that the player's father, Cecil Newton, has admitted having conversations with an ex-Mississippi State University player about the possibility of under-the-table money if Cam Newton signed to play football at Mississippi State, though he's steadfastly maintained that no money ever changed hands and said no official at Mississippi State ever made such an offer.
According to Winne’s source, Cecil Newton said his son’s hands are clean, and has made it clear that Cam Newton himself and his mother knew nothing about the money discussions, nor did Auburn University, with whom the Westlake High School grad from College Park eventually signed with out of junior college.
Have a news tip? E-mail mark.winne@wsbtv.com
Winne’s source, who acknowledged sympathies on the Newton side of things, said the player and both parents have demonstrated a willingness to cooperate with the NCAA, beyond even the financial records turned over by the family, and from churches Cecil Newton oversees.
(Editor's Note: Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne believes it important to disclose that he attended Auburn University, and has remained active primarily through the College of Liberal Arts.)
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