Auburn Football: HBO Special Looks Damning, But Proves Nothing

Stanley McClover

The internet was abuzz late yesterday after portions of an HBO program—airing tonight—were leaked by the website, SportsByBrooks. In the segment, four former Auburn football players go on-the-record and say they were paid by the school to both secure and keep their services.

While all four players had plenty of dirt to dish, some of the more eyebrow-raising statements came from the mouth of Stanley McClover, a former defensive star, who stated that he switched his commitment from Ohio State to Auburn after receiving a bookbag full of money. 

Here is how McClover described the incident to Andrea Kremer:

Kremer voiceover: “McClover says what he asked for was money. A lot of it. And that he got it. Delivered in a bookbag, exact amount unknown.”

Kremer to McClover: “You opened it up, what are you thinking?”

McClover: “I almost passed out. I literally almost passed out I couldn’t believe it was true. I felt like I owed them.”

Kremer to McClover: “You felt obligated to them (Auburn)?”

McClover: “I felt totally obligated.”

Kremer to McClover: “Because of the money?”

McClover: “Yeah.”

As wild as that sounds, McClover isn't bringing anything new to the table where accusations about pay-to-play at Auburn is concerned.

Former head coach, Terry Bowden, expressed a similar account in 2001—although it would be two-years before anyone knew of his statements—when he told a reporter "They [Auburn Boosters] were paying players cash, $12,000, $15,000 to sign...all I was told to do was shake hands and say, 'Thank you. I appreciate how much you love Auburn."

The collective fingers have been pointing in Auburn's direction for years.

That said, the one thing the HBO expose doesn't seem to offer is the one thing that would make this story the most damning—proof.

You can hate the Auburn Tigers all you want, but until the fire starts surfacing on all this smoke, it's much ado about nothing. And if you think NCAA investigators are on a plane to Auburn at this very moment, don't hold your breath.

Marc Emmert (NCAA's idiot President) already looks like a shill for how he's handle some very high profile cases—Cam Newton, Ohio State, Jim Tressel, etc.—and he's not looking to make any moves towards further tarnishing his already fragile reputation by investigating Auburn based on a few claims by some previous players.

Those accusations will need to be accompanied by something more valid—a paper trail, a name, or a tape would be a nice start—before this debacle takes on the shape of something more than just a witch hunt.

That's just being honest.

In the end, it's another blemish on Auburn's resume—at least in the court of public opinion—but when you get right down to it, without proof, this is just another juicy story.

Related articles

• "SportsbyBrooks: Four Former Auburn Players Make Pay-for-Play Allegations" and related posts (rollbamaroll.com)
• Report: Four former Auburn players got cash (sports.espn.go.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: 2012 TE Prospect Ricky Parks

Ricky Parks is on Georgia's radar for 2012.

The uber-talent out of Callaway High School in Hogansville, GA has born comparisons to both Cam Newton of Auburn and Orson Charles of Georgia. He currently plays the quarterback position for Callaway High School, but is projected by many to be a tight end at the next level. However, one look at his film and it is safe to say that he could be a special prospect at either position.

As for Parks' preference, he has already stated that he would like to play tight end—specifically in a pro-style offense—and Georgia is currently tied at the top of his list with Alabama.

Parks is 6'3", 210, with a lot of potential, but he will need to work on his technique a bit more if he's going to play at a consistently high level in the college ranks—can he become a sufficient blocker? Either way, Parks is a prospect worth keeping a close eye on as the 2012 recruiting season moves forward.

Below is some film on Parks—mostly playing at quarterback—where you definitely can get a feel for how much talent he has.

Ricky Parks, QB #9, Callaway High School:

(h/t RustyMansell)

Georgia Bulldogs: Well, That Didn't Take Long...

It seems to me that every off-season, Georgia fans have to endure the "Will Rodney Garner stay or go" conversation. It's happened, ad nauseum, for the last five seasons—forgive me if I've lost count—and this off-season doesn't look like it will be any different. Once again, Garner's name is cropping up for consideration at another SEC school.

According to this report, the Auburn Tigers might come calling again now that their defensive line coach—Tracy Rocker—has bolted for the NFL, and Gene Chizik's first option, Clint Hurtt of Louisville, has decided to stay with his current employer. 

In case you didn't know, Garner is an Auburn alum and the prospect of him returning to coach at his alma mater seems like a scenario worth getting concerned about...that is, if you're inclined to care any more.

Why the big stink? Well, Garner is also Georgia's current recruiting coordinator and that, as much as anything, is the reason his name continues to be floated about for coaching positions. And, if you listen to rumors, it's also the reason why coach Richt has been so adamant about Garner remaining on his staff.

When Richt cleaned defensive house at the end of the 2009 season, Garner wasn't under any real threat of receiving his walking papers—despite the fact the the defensive line (the unit Garner is responsible for coaching) was every bit as underwhelming as the rest of the defense.

Smart money says that Garner stays at Georgia for the same reason Hurtt opted to stay at Louisville—he's already got a pretty good deal going—said Hurtt about why he opted against Auburn in favor of remaining at Louisville, "...I couldn’t say that Auburn had that much more to offer than what is already in place here." 


We'll see what happens, but I simply don't see Garner going anywhere—yet.

Related articles

• Louisville assistant Hurtt not going to Auburn (sportingnews.com)

The Destruction of Toomer's Trees Was An Unnecessary Act With Zero Justification

As an SEC football fan, I know a little something about being passionate about your team. I cheer as loud, if not louder, than any other fan I know on Saturday afternoons. I engage in the good-natured ribbing of my teams' rivals and I don't pause when saying "I hate Orange". However, I also try to be rational where wins and losses are concerned—you have to draw a line—integrity still has to be maintained no matter what.

So, when I read the story about the trees on Toomer's Corner, located in Auburn, Alabama, being destroyed, it bothered me.

In case you haven't heard the story, here it is in a snapshot: "A tree killing herbicide was intentionally applied in lethal amounts to the soil around the 130 year-old live oak trees at Toomer's Corner and there is little chance the trees will survive." (Courtesy of CBS42)

The incident was brought to the attention of Auburn officials after a caller to the Paul Finebaum show stated he had poisoned the trees. Listen to that clip here:


What struck me as most disturbing about the caller was his justification as to why he did what he'd done. He did not appear to be troubled, concerned, or bothered by the enormity of his act as, in his mind, it was an "eye for an eye".

For those of you who would say they're just a bunch of trees, you're missing the point. It's about respecting the pageantry and tradition of another school—no matter your differences—and what this man did, if he truly did it, is criminal and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Rivalries can be a glorious thing, but they can also be dangerous if they are taken too far and this, make no mistake about it, took it too far. The officials at Auburn are now concerned not only about the likelihood of saving Toomer's trees—which as already stated, seems unlikely—but also about the trees and shrubbery contained within the surrounding area as the herbicide used was powerful enough to taint the soil system as well.

So unnecessary.

Hopefully the madness will end here and there won't be any retaliation, but something tells me this won't be the end of this story.

Related articles

• Auburn: Oak trees poisoned at Toomer's Corner (cbssports.com)

Mark Emmert: Either You Don't Get It Or You're Just Plain Ignorant

Mark Emmert never ceases to amaze the masses with his gift of diplomacy.

In an article, published today, by CBSSports.com, Emmert is quoted to have said the following regarding the whole Cam Newton debacle:

"...Getting it right is often in the eye of the beholder. The cases we saw this fall were highly controversial and highly debatable. I understand that, and some of them were even enormously frustrating to me.

"I said very loud and clear that I think it's absolutely a fundamentally wrong for a father to try to sell the services of his son or daughter to the highest bidder, to a university. We ought never to allow that to happen, but yet, having not anticipated that, we didn't have any rule or structure that said it was a violation of any of our rules. I found that grossly inappropriate that didn't have a structure in which we could say, 'No, you can't do that.' [emphasis added].

"There was no evidence that money had changed hands and there was no evidence that Auburn University had anything to do with it. We would up making a decision that felt to many people morally objectionable, but that fit the facts and the circumstances.

"We find ourselves making those kinds of judgment calls often." 

Is this guy serious, or what? Correct me, anyone, if I'm wrong, but didn't Southern Methodist University receive the NCAA's "death penalty" for paying players—both on their roster and prospectively as recruits?

Does that not count as a precedent? Surely if a university is not allowed to give money to it's players, then said players handlers should not be allowed to seek payment from the university in order to secure that player's services—it's not a tough jump for a logical person to make.

Granted, there is nothing in the rules that says "parents can't pimp players" but, come on, some of this stuff is common sense and, if nothing else, the act of allowing a "pay-for-play" scheme to go unpunished simply because you want to protect the NCAA's tarnished image under your watch—yes, this means you Mr. Emmert—is an act of irresponsibility.

Emmert certainly has his hands full now, what with all the loopholes people will start to find in the vague, prejudicial rules of the NCAA, but he can thank himself for making his life a lot more difficult at the top.

Related articles

• Mark Emmert, flailing away (blutarsky.wordpress.com)
• NCAA president Mark Emmert pledges transparency in wake of Cam Newton scandal (sports.espn.go.com)
• NCAA president: Tougher parent rules needed (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Friday Snapshot: Gene Chizik As Possible Candidate for UF Job?

Obviously, the fine fans of Auburn University are drinking the Gene Chizik kool-aid—their press included. There is at least one journalist who believes the Florida Gators should consider hiring the, once ridiculed, coach for their football coaching vacancy. That's an interesting thought considering that most people aren't buying his success.

If you remove the talents of Cam Newton from Auburn this season, how many of you really believe that would a) be undefeated, b) on their way to a BCS National Title berth, or c) have a player worthy of Heisman consideration?...Yeah, didn't think so.

Gene Chizik didn't become a genius overnight. He struck gold with Cam Newton and Cam Newton excelled under the offensive scheme of Gus Malzahn. Sure, the stellar play of Michael Dyer, Nick Fairley, and Michael Dyer didn't hurt, but let's not be naive about Newton's impact on this team.

And, for those of you who don't buy the 'one-player-can-make-a-difference' argument, just look at how far the Gators have gone minus Tim Tebow. Even better, what would Ohio State have been without Maurice Clarett—in his one season? Georgia without Herschel in 1980?

Certainly, none of those players led their team to a national title every year, but they definitely placed them in the conversation.

Chizik is still Chizik. Until he duplicates this feat minus Cam Newton, to many, he will still be the guy that Auburn fans booed at the airport.

-And, speaking of misguided expectations, what is all this chatter about Mark Richt being under pressure to win the East now that Meyer is gone? Seriously, in what universe should THAT be an expectation?

While it's understandable that Georgia fans should expect better of this team in year two of the 3-4 defense, under the leadership of Aaron Murray, and minus the anchor that was Dave Van Halanger, it's a mighty big leap to take for any one to start believing Georgia is heading to the SEC Championship Game in 2011.

For one, South Carolina has proven it is better with Marcus Lattimore. He''ll be in season two—stronger and more experienced—will Georgia have an answer for him? Secondly, if both A.J. Green and Justin Houston make their expected exits for the NFL, who will take their places?

Rantavious Wooten, Tavarres King, and Marlon Brown have been flashing their "potential" for years, will they suddenly be able to fulfill it?

Will the running backs be better than this season? And, before you answer that, consider the fact that both Shaun Chapas (one heckuva a lead blocker), and Fred Munzenmaier are both graduating.

That said, there may need to be more tempered enthusiasm in the Bulldog Nation. By no means is an SEC Championship impossible, but the expectation of one is a dangerous proposition this early in the game.

-Some fans will go to any lengths to support their team. Ron Pettichord, a guy who says he's not really a "die-hard [Oregon] Ducks fan" has decided to postpone his heart surgery so that he can be sure to take in the BCS National Title game.

Not for nothing, but, that's what they made DVR's for, right? Seriously...some people.

-

Related articles

• Auburn's Cam Newton: I've done nothing wrong (sportingnews.com)

NCAA Clears Cam Newton, But Punishes Father—What The Hell?

Here's the gist of the NCAA's conversation with Cam Newton on Tuesday:

NCAA Representative: Your daddy, Cecil, asked for money. 

Cam Newton: I don't know anything about that, sir. 

NCAA Rep: Alrighty then, now that we've cleared that up—good luck on Saturday.

Okay, maybe it didn't happen quite like that, but you have to wonder what the hell the NCAA was thinking when they decided Cam Newton was free of any guilt. Honestly, not to say that any of us were flies on the wall, but Newton's decision to attend Auburn was made by his father—that's been documented.

That said, how likely is it that Cam knew nothing about what his daddy was doing with Mississippi State? Does the NCAA really expect a rational individual to believe that Cecil Newton was pimping his son to the highest bidder, yet his son didn't realize he was being pimped?

If they do, then that's naivete to the fullest extent.

In addition, what kind of horrific precedence does this decision leave for the rest of college football's "amateur" athletes. Should they all just start using the Shaggy defense whenever they're approached about a potential scandal—just say, "it wasn't me":



Seriously, if Auburn saw fit to deem him ineligible on Monday, then there was plenty enough there to keep him that way for more than just 48-hours. This same NCAA took three weeks to investigate A.J. Green's jersey incident, yet they need less than three days to deem Cam Newton fit to play—even with knowledge that his father was soliciting money on his behalf.

That's ridiculous.

If Cam Newton was unaware of what his daddy was doing, fine, then in all honesty, he shouldn't be penalized. However, that's not how the NCAA claims to work. Ignorance of wrong-doing doesn't exempt you from punishment—or so they say. 

In response to the NCAA's decision, SEC Commissioner, Mike Slive had this to say, "The conduct of Cam Newton’s father and the involved individual is unacceptable and has no place in the SEC or in intercollegiate athletics...the actions taken by Auburn University and Mississippi State University make it clear this behavior will not be tolerated in the SEC."

(scratches head)...How exactly does it do that, Mike? All this proves is that if you're doing well and making the NCAA, and the SEC a ton of money, we're willing to overlook your transgressions. If Auburn were 0-11, and not in the BCS picture, would the outcome have been as favorable?

Lets be honest here, this is as much about the SEC maintaining its foothold as it is about doing things the right way. The NCAA, the SEC, nor the Heisman Trophy committee give a rats patoot about Cam Newton or his daddy. They just don't want another Reggie Bush situation on their hands this soon—they're protecting themselves from the negative backlash such a decision could have caused.

Nothing more.

Shame on them all for being the biggest pimps in college football.

One thing is certain, if Auburn goes on to win this weekend and compete for a national title, there will be changes to the NCAA's rules prior to the 2011 season. The loopholes their mind-boggling act leaves in its wake are too obvious to be overlooked, and they cannot allow them to remain if they expect any integrity to be maintained in this sport.

That is, of course, assuming there ever was any.

Related articles

• NCAA clears Auburn star Cam Newton to play (cnn.com)

Georgia Bulldogs Football:Will Georgia's 2011 Class Be Boom or Bust?

Georgia is 5-6.

We can talk all we want about near-misses, bad calls, the absence of A.J. Green, and the plethora of injuries that always seem to plague the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball—the fact is this is a 5-6 team that may or not be bowl eligible at the end of the season.

That said, what happens with recruiting now that the season is nearly done? To this point, none of the big fish have given their commitment to Mark Richt and that has to be a bit of a concern to those of you who are hoping for a big class to offset the disappointment that was 2009.

As a disclaimer, it has to be said that this site has no "insider" information on where guys like Ray Drew, Isaiah Crowell (although that photo can't be comforting—better hope that's an Atlanta Braves hat), or Jay Rome will be signing come February.

However, it doesn't take much research to get an idea that Georgia's record could become a factor in their final decisions.

Jay Rome has been fairly quiet for some time now, but Georgia is in the mix with several schools—including Clemson, Alabama, and Tennessee. The feel is it will still come down to Clemson (his father's alma mater) and Georgia. Georgia has Rome's family first attitude in their favor—only slightly—as coach Richt is lauded for the family atmosphere he fosters at Georgia. Furthermore, Rome could feel more comfortable remaining in-state.

Isaiah Crowell is an Alabama lean but he was wearing, what appeared to be, an Alabama hat at the Auburn game on Saturday. Crowell was in attendance at the game with his teammate, Gabe Wright—a player who many already feel will sign with Auburn come February. Crowell stated that Alabama held a slight lead over Georgia, but is now considering Auburn as well—he was very impressed with the gameday atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Ray Drew has been as even-keeled as you would hope, but he was open in his support of Cam Newton after the Auburn game on Saturday—saying as much on his facebook page—although he did stress that his message of support had nothing to do with his football considerations.

Malcolm Mitchell continues to vascillate between Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, and it could come
down to which school offers the best atmosphere on his official visit—he plans to take one to each school after the season.

Georgia currently has 16 verbal commitments, and a potential Top 10 class if they can close on a few of the guys mentioned above. However, the chatter surrounding Mark Richt's job security hasn't helped matters much, and the Bulldogs now have to wager on a win against Georgia Tech to secure a bowl bid—not exactly the dream season the fans were hoping to see.

It's still a long way until February and plenty can happen before that time, but Georgia needs to hunker down on the recruiting trail—they cannot afford to miss big again this year.

Kenny Rogers: "I Didn't Talk to Cam, I Talked To Mr. Newton"

Kenny Rogers laid all his cards on the table this afternoon on ESPN 103.3 FM's Ian Fitzsimmons Show. In that interview, he made it clear that Cecil Newton—Cam Newton's father—initiated the pay-for-play conversation—not him.

Furthermore, Rogers stated that the Newton's knew he was approaching Mississippi State for money and any thing said otherwise is, essentially, untrue. 

Now that Rogers has come forth to offer his account of the situation, we a"know" the following:

1) Cecil Newton approached Rogers with the idea of soliciting his son's services for money.

2) Rogers never personally approached John Bond to ask him for said money (an amount Rogers states was between $100,000 and $180,000.

3) Cam Newton may or may not have been made aware of what his father was doing.

4) Bill Bell, a Mississippi State booster, was contacted, on behalf of Cecil Newton to request the money.

5) Auburn's involvement in this whole mess is still not understood or known. Rogers could not confirm or deny that the Tigers paid to get Newton—his knowledge ends with what transpired between himself and Mr. Newton.

The natural question now is, what can be done with this information?

The main sticking point for the NCAA is whether or not Cam Newton, or Auburn University, had any knowledge of what Mr. Newton's dealings were with Mississippi State boosters, coaches, or otherwise.  If they can connect those dots with any consistency, they can make a decision on the appropriate actions to take. As of now, it is still he said/he said and there is little than can be done with that.

Either way, the water just got a whole lot hotter for the Tigers now that Rogers has, essentially, passed the buck back to Mr. Newton and his gang of merry men.

That said, if you've followed this story closely, two things are liable to be nagging at your noggin right now—assuming you're just a casual observer. First, why is everyone so intent on bringing this story to light now—10-months after it was reported to the NCAA?

How has a scandal of this scale escaped scrutiny for nearly a year?

Even more, would any one be so intent on solving the mystery if the Tigers were tanking and Cam Newton were playing bad football?

Secondly, who can you believe at this point? Everyone has proven to be a liar.

Cecil Newton now has at least two people on record stating he asked for money. There is also proof that Mr. Newton made the decision to go to Auburn, despite knowledge that a Mississippi State booster was willing to pay the amount he requested.

Was that because Auburn paid more or because, as Mr. Newton would later say, he didn't want his son to become a "rented mule" at a school like Mississippi State where, despite the presence of Dan Mullen, he was bound to be playing with a lesser talent pool?

All Rogers did by coming forward is bring about more questions, more speculation, and more finger-pointing. 

This whole thing stinks and, unfortunately, for Gene Chizik and Cam Newton, it's the story that just doesn't want to go away.