Auburn's Newton Fighting Against Apoc-Cam-Lyps: Fox Sports Writer Leads Attack

In the latest addition to the media driven saga of Auburn University QB Cam Newton, there’s a new horse rider from the apo-Cam-lyps spewing his venom. America meet Mr. Thayer Evans. He is the Senior College Football Writer for FOXSports.com. He previously wrote for The New York Times and Houston Chronicle, and also has written for various other publications, as stated in his bio.  What his bio won’t tell you are that he’s is a sensationalist sports writer that has a lust for character assassination, and innuendo drama; he’s drawn to it like a shark is to blood in water. The difference is, the shark is at least cleaning up filth from the water, Evans adds to it. Just ask the Texas Long Horns and now the Newton’s.

In a recent article preceding his latest smear gossip attacking the Newton’s, most notably Cam Newton, he writes as titled; “Don’t Vote Newton for Heisman”. Here are some quotes from the story as written. “For Halloween, Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton wore a white fairy costume.  And if you’re a Heisman voter who casts a ballot for him, you’re just buying the fairytale that he and his father, Cecil Newton, a pastor, have been selling the last two years.”  He continues his article regurgitating the same story line concerning the allegations around Mississippi’s States recruitment of Cam Newton back in 2009. Evans continues with this eye opening statement.  “So listen closely, Heisman voters: Do not vote for Newton.” 

Amazing. Where is the journalistic integrity in this man? Obviously he has none…

As if that were not enough, Evans continues to drum up old story lines that concern Auburn’s previous run-ins with the NCAA, some dating as far back as 1992. None of which has anything to do with Auburn’s current coaches, Athletic administration, or the current school president, much less Cam Newton, Don’t take my words for it, here’s the proof. And I quote: "But there’s precedent of wrongdoing at Auburn. It’s as much a part of the university’s culture as a Bo Jackson stiff-arm or the toilet-paper tradition known as rolling Toomer’s Corner. The scrutiny surrounding Newton and Auburn’s past is too much to ignore, at least for now. And with all of Newton and his father’s spin, who knows how much they may have misrepresented. So do what’s right, Heisman voters, and don’t you, too, get juked by the Newton’s. Character should be a factor for the Heisman.  Plus, there’s a plenty more deserving candidate: Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore. And unlike Newton, he doesn’t have to play dress-up to get attention.” 

If you are ever in front of a jury and Mr. Thayer Evans is one of the jurors, consider yourself doomed. Your found guilty by him without hearing all the facts in the case. I think I’ve presented a solid case for my characterization of Evans, but believe it or not there’s more.  Furthermore, it is very clear that Mr. Evans intentions are to do what he can to damage Cam Newton’s chances of receiving enough Heisman Trophy votes.   

In his recent dribble entitled “Source: Newton left Florida after cheating scandal” dated Nov 9, 2010 1:28 AM ET, Evans contends that: “Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton had three different instances of academic cheating while attending the University of Florida, according to a source.”  Newton, considered the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, attended Florida in 2007 and 2008 before transferring to Blinn College, a junior college in Texas. He first violated Florida’s student honor code by cheating in a class during his freshman year, according to the source.” 

Notice a trend here?  Evans never says "according to my investigation, according to the facts I have discovered." No! It’s "According to the Source." Who are these people, just where is this unproven information leaking from, Florida, Mississippi State?

Without proof Evans continues quoting his fortune cookie source. “Cameron Newton had faced potential expulsion from the university; He first violated Florida’s student honor code by cheating in a class during his freshman year, according to a source.”  Name your source so this person can be prosecuted for violating the Federal Privacy Act. I, nor you, or anyone have the right to obtain Cam Newton’s transcripts or student information while at the University of Florida without a signed release from Cam Newton, and that also includes verbally. Evans should turn over to Federal authorities the person or persons that revealed Cam Newton’s private student information. If Evans fails to do so, he is guilty for harboring a criminal act. Mr. Evans should prove to his readers that his accusations are true by exposing the source. 

Evans wrote in his smear article that: “Auburn officials did not return telephone messages, text messages or e-mails as of late Monday. His father, Cecil Newton Sr., declined to comment on his son’s academic past.” How very wise of Mr. Newton when a sensation whore such as Thayer Evans comes slithering around.  That’s right I said it!  Evans continues to quote Cecil Newton. “I wasn’t there,” the elder Newton said. “I cannot confirm or deny. At a time like this, I’m taking a defensive posture.”  Evans is possibly lucky that Mr. Newton did not take more than a defensive posture.  It’s easy to hide behind your computers 17” monitor, Mr. Evans.  Why don’t you get your lazy butt up and do some investigative reporting; that’s not a request.

I for one am willing to give Auburn, the Newton’s and Mississippi State the benefit of the doubt until otherwise proved that any of them has actually done anything wrong.  And don’t give me the “where there’s smoke there’s fire” garbage.  Sometimes the smoke is the innuendo the accusers are blowing up your – you know what!  If it’s absolutely proved that anything unfair has gone on, I will be one of the first to condemn the actions of the Newton’s.  But I tell you this; the character assassination of Cam Newton on a nationwide scale is unfortunate and unfair and without merit.

I applaud the Kid for pulling himself up by the boot straps and changing the direction for his life.  Did he make mistakes while at Florida in 2007 and 2008?  Yes, did he cheat in class while at Florida? Possibly he did. What does that have to do with Cam’s time at Blinn College to the present at Auburn?  I’ll tell you, absolutely nothing.  You the reader ask yourself this. What mistakes have you made in your life two years, five years or 10 years ago that you would like to have scrutinized in the public eye.  Were you arrested for a DUI after leaving a fraternity party while at college, did you give up a child you wished you hadn’t because you were a 19-year old kid and scared to death.  If you do not want others knowing your business, why is it acceptable for Cam Newton’s business to be ours?  Furthermore a question was posed on ESPN about Cecil Newton’s involvement in the decision for Cam signing with Auburn instead of Mississippi State.  Cam admitted that he had made mistakes while at Florida and wanted his father to have a major role in his decisions, and be increasingly involved in the next chapter of his life. Where is the lack of wisdom in that approach?   I am grown and married, I still asked for my parent’s opinion concerning some major decisions in my life or that of my wife. I respect their opinion; they have 70 years of life experience to my 41.  Do I do exactly as they say? Of course not but I value their experience in certain situations. Cam is a 20 something year old college kid who has matured away from the 18 year old know it all mentality that most teens have, and now understands the value of his parents, most notably the leader of the household, his father. I have opined enough so let’s move on.

Evans uses excerpts in his article a story that was late last week by ESPN’s Chris Low. “The revelations of Newton’s academic cheating come less than a week after ESPN.com reported that a man named Kenny Rogers claimed to represent Newton and allegedly sought $180,000 for him to attend Mississippi State. Rogers allegedly told former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond that other schools had already offered $200,000.  The NCAA is investigating that matter. The Newton’s and Rogers have denied the allegations.  Auburn has said Newton is eligible, and Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs told USA Today that the school has not found any issues with Newton’s eligibility since starting to look in to it this past summer. But he also said that it’s “not a closed matter” and that the review is 'still ongoing.'”                                                                                                                        That’s Correct Mr. Evans, the NCAA is investigating Kenny Rogers involvement with John Bond both former football players at Mississippi State and their recruitment of Cam Newton.  The point that everyone is failing to report, including Evans, is that Auburn has not admitted, nor has it been reported to have received a letter on inquiry into this matter. The NCAA is not investigating Auburn or its recruitment of Cam Newton. The NCAA has required Auburn not to speak concerning what details they have shared with Auburn, due the ongoing investigation. Auburn however, did investigate the allegations concerning Mississippi’s States recruitment as late as July, and found no credible violations that would impact Auburn negatively or Cams eligibility to play. Cecil Newton has admitted to receiving a letter requesting personal financial records, and financial records of the church for which he’s a pastor. For someone who supposedly has something to hide, Cecil Newton willingly obliged.  There is no legal requirement for the Newton’s to turn over any documents, the NCAA is only a regulating authority of college sports. The Newton’s apparently have nothing to hide, the real issue is spin doctors like Mr. Evans that use the “he said she said” level of scrutiny to make a living.  The readers may ask; how clean are Evans closets?  I’m sure there’s some trash, but I really don’t care about that.  I have exposed Thayer Evans for what he is, a creepy little sensation whore who can’t stand Cam Newton’s success.

If Cam Newton or his father is guilty of any wrong doing, they will have to pay the price.  However, until there is evidence that without a doubt can prove either of them guilty.  I fear it will be the Newton’s that will be unfairly paying the price, until the NCAA clears their name.  I hope they do it soon before all the slime balls like Thayer “character slayer” Evans ruins the life of a student athlete.  That’s too high of a price for anyone to pay.