ESPN: Newton Admits to Pay-For-Play During Phone Conversation

As sure as the sun will rise, there are fresh new Cam Newton allegations to kickoff your Wednesday. ESPN blogger Chris Low is reporting this morning that both Newton and his father, Cecil admitted on separate phone calls to a pay-for-play plan while being recruited to Miss State.

Here's what Low is reporting:

Two sources who recruit for Mississippi State said that Cecil Newton and his son, quarterback Cam Newton, admitted in separate phone conversations to a pay-for-play plan while Newton was being recruited late last year.

Mississippi State compliance officials relayed the alleged conversations to Southeastern Conference compliance officials in January, according to two other sources close to the football program.

Prior to Newton's commitment to Auburn, one of the recruiters said Cecil Newton told him it would take "more than a scholarship" to bring his son to Mississippi State, a request the source said the school would not meet. Cecil Newton also referred the recruiter to a third person that would provide more specifics, the source said...

After Newton committed to Auburn, another source said an emotional Cam Newton phoned another recruiter to express regret that he wouldn't be going to Mississippi State, stating that his father Cecil had chosen Auburn for him because "the money was too much."...    

Cecil Newton, who previously has denied any wrongdoing, did not respond to an e-mail request for comment Tuesday night.

However, when reached late Tuesday night by phone by FoxSports.com, Cecil Newton said he had no comment.

"I'm not going to confirm nor deny nothing that has been taking place," Cecil Newton said.

What's not mentioned in the story is whether or not the phone conversations were taped. Without such evidence, it will be impossible to prove the allegations. There's no question, this story is now in full meltdown mode. There appears to be no end in sight.

This report ratchets things up a notch. For the first time, Auburn is being accused of impropriety. What should give all Auburn fans comfort is the way the administration has reacted. Their forcefulness is reassuring. My biggest concern is some rogue booster who may enter the picture. Time will tell.

In case you forgot, second-ranked Auburn welcomes Georgia to Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (CT) and will be televised by CBS Sports.