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.”
The NCAA is investigating allegations surrounding the Newtons in regards to the recruiting process. Cam Newton, who is having a Heisman-caliber season for No. 2 Auburn, declined comment.
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.
He also said he knew nothing about the report when asked if he’d seen it.
“I’ve answered what I need to answer,” Cecil Newton told FoxSports.com. “If they’re out there, go with it and make the decision or determination based on whatever you’ve got to say.”
Cecil Newton also described all of the allegations about his son as “a witch hunt,” according to FoxSports.com.
“They can continue doing whatever they’re doing, sir,” Cecil Newton told the website. “I’m just in support of my son.”
Auburn did not respond to a request for comment. The school has repeatedly said it looked into Newton’s recruitment and that he remains eligible.
