National Media Targets Auburn Fans

With little new on the Cam Newton front so far today, national writers and radio hosts have turned their ire toward Auburn fans. Most are portraying Tiger fans as out of touch and unwilling to acknowledge that rules may have been broken.

ESPN's Colin Cowherd was perhaps the harshest today, saying that Auburn fans were delusional to believe the national media had an agenda against Auburn. "Why would the national media go after the number two program in a small state when it could target Alabama and Nick Saban?"

Maybe it's because Auburn is ranked second nationally and has the biggest name in college football on its roster. Just a guess.

Speaking of agendas and conspiracy theories, ESPN radio host Scott Van Pelt had an interesting one today on his radio show. While he was in no way endorsing this theory, he found it intriguing. And I must say, I agree.

A story floating around the fringes of the internet suggests that perhaps Oregon is behind the Newton stories. Why you ask? Because the Oregon program is the flagship school for Nike. Auburn wears Under Armour gear.

Phil Knight, the founder of Nike is an Oregon alum and pumps millions of dollars into the program each year. It's one of the reasons the Ducks wear different uniforms each week.

Theorists point out that Under Armour has never had a Heisman Trophy winner nor a national championship team wear its gear. In the apparel world, these two events are akin to winning the Super Bowl.

With Oregon sitting atop the polls and Ducks running back LaMichael James viewed as Newton's closest Heisman competitor, some believe Knight has helped the story go national.

Do I believe it? No way. But I do find it fascinating.

This may upset some Auburn fans, but I don't believe the media has an agenda against Auburn. I believe other SEC programs have an agenda. I firmly believe these allegations have originated from Starkville or Gainesville or both. I believe Urban Meyer had something to do with The New York Times story. I believe Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen has played a role.

I don't believe the media has targeted Auburn for any reason other than its great copy. Auburn is ranked second nationally and has the top player in America at quarterback. This story has taken the Wade Phillips firing at Dallas off the front burner. How many other stories can do that?

It has been the lead story on SportsCenter and every other television and radio show this week. It makes great news. The media loves to teardown people and programs when they are at the top. It's what America does, like it or not.

Do I believe the reporting has been reckless? There's no question. We've yet to see one thread of evidence. It's a sick world we live in and Auburn players and fans are getting a dose of it this week.

The media is nothing more than entertainment. Unfortunately, the Newton allegations bring great interest and ratings. It's understandable to be frustrated with bad reporting, but when pointing fingers they should go in the direction of Starkville and Gainesville.

We live in a new age of SEC football. There's a side that's mighty ugly. All Auburn fans can do is have faith in Newton and the Auburn administration.

And one more thing, don't forget to pray for an SEC Championship matchup with Florida. There's only one way to get even and that's on the field.