ATLANTA — The lawyer for Auburn University quarterback Cam Newton and his father spoke to Channel 2 Action News on Thursday for the first time about allegations that Newton's father discussed cash in exchange for enrollment.
Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne talked to attorney George Lawson about the investigation into Cecil and Cam Newton.
"No money has been offered to Cam Newton. Cam Newton hasn't asked for any money," Lawson bluntly told Winne.
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Cam Newton, Cecil Newton and Jackie Newton have participated in the ongoing NCAA investigation. They have been truthful and candid with the NCAA. They will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and they will produce and answer any and all questions that the NCAA has for them," said Newton.
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On Friday, a source close to the situation exclusively told Winne that 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.
Lawson told Winne the quarterback had no knowledge of the talks.
"I don't think there's any question that Cam Newton knew nothing about any money discussions, if any money discussions were had."
An attorney for the former Mississippi State player who helped spark the NCAA's investigation of Newton said his client, John Bond, has been interviewed by the FBI on Wednesday. Lawson said that was unfamiliar to him.
"I know nothing about an FBI investigation. I don't even know if the FBI is investigating that. I've had the occasion to see probably the same thing that you saw on ESPN. That's all I know about it," said Lawson.
Former Mississippi State football player Kenny Rogers who was accused of contacting Bond about Newton denied money changing hands.
Douglas Zeit, the attorney for Rogers told Winne "Rogers is a consultant who helps pair football players with the right college. Often football players who have been to one college where it didn't work out. Rogers says he knows of no money ever changing hands concerning Cam Newton."
Zeit said Rogers has told NCAA investigators Cecil Newton said he wanted money for his son to attend Mississippi State and he passed that information on to a former teammate. Rogers said he did not initiate the discussion of money for Cam Newton to sign with Mississippi State, according to Zeit.
Newton's attorney also addressed the Heisman Trophy hopeful's academic standings at the University of Florida, with strong words for the school.
"Cam Newton's grades and academic standings at the University of Florida are protected matters. And to the extent that the University of Florida has violated a federal statute, I have some understanding of what the University of Florida's address is and at some appropriate time they'll hear from me," said Lawson.
Janine Sikes, Department of Public Affairs spokeswoman at the University of Florida said "we are not aware of any records leak here at the University of Florida. Any allegations that someone leaked federally protected student information is of significant concern to us and we are investigating it."
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Lawson did not answer Winne's question about possible legal action.
"I'm not suggesting what it will be, but the University of Florida will hear from me. If the University of Florida has disclosed unlawfully Cam's personal and private records then I will be talking to the University of Florida about that," said Lawson.
"Were the reports about his academic situation there accurate?" Winne asked.
"No. there not accurate," responded Lawson.
"He's a very polished, he's a very smart young man and at this point in his life he's a very mature young man. He's much more mature than most 21-year-olds would be with all the things that he's gone through in his life," added Lawson.
"I am one million percent confident that Cam Newton took no money from no one," Lawson said.
NOTE: WSB-TV investigative reporter Mark Winne believes it important to note he attended Auburn and remains involved in academic affairs there.