Will Reggie Bush's Consequences and Repercussions Halt Cameron Newton's Heisman?

The naked truth will emerge like skinny-dipping ocean goers.  That’s what journalism is for — truth — not skinny-dipping.  Separating fact from fiction is what I do.

Meanwhile, I’ll sit back and listen to the lies and denials for my entertainment.

Entertaining college football fans is what superlative Auburn Tigers quarterback Cameron Newton maybe does best.  It has been alleged he cheated on three tests while he was a Florida Gator.

Newton was the back-up for the 2007 Heisman Trophy Award winner, Tim Tebow — god’s gift to some media members.

Burglary, larceny and obstruction charges were dropped against Newton in a stolen lap top scandal at Florida in 2008.

Reports claim Newton dipped out of Florida before he faced punishment from University officials after being caught with bogus work. 

Earlier this year, Reggie Bush gave his 2005 Heisman Trophy back without acknowledging any wrongdoing.  It’s old news, but it washed-up on the Alabama shores this week.

Cam Newton’s plight is being compared to what Reggie went through.  Commentators and analysts have been all over Newton — an amateur player — allegedly.

The talk of towns is whether or not he will be denied the Heisman Trophy, this season, due to what Bush endured.

It was alleged Bush, while starring for the USC Trojans, received improper benefits for his family.  The school was hit with penalties and asked Bush to return the Heisman.

As a Heisman hopeful, Newton transferred to Blinn — a junior college in Texas — after Tebow decided to stay at Florida for his senior season. 

It has been alleged Newton’s father wanted $180,000 in return for Cam’s services at either Mississippi State or Auburn.  Newton emerged at Auburn with fatherly coach, Gene Chizik.

About the “pay for play” scandal and allegations — I don’t believe where there’s smoke, there’s fire.  The cliché is pervasive in Americana, but a fire only smokes after its doused.  I’ve never seen a barbecue lighter smoke, but I’ve seen charcoals smoke after the fire fades. 

This “pay for play” story is possibly the biggest in sports.  Fox Sports, the AP and ESPN are on it more so than yarns about Wade Phillips or the BCS. 

What was a burning question for years has long been resolved. 

It is known the best of the best can get paid in college football.  ESPN Films’ documentary on Marcus Dupree, “30 for 30,” was the latest verification.

Chizik denied any wrongdoing in the Newton saga.  Oceangoing Florida coach, Urban Meyer, denied he leaked any information pertaining to Newton’s alleged cheating. 

Something lingering in the background makes this whole situation strange, however.

Seemingly single-handedly keeping Auburn undefeated, Newton is the Heisman Trophy front-runner.  The dog-eat-dog SEC is not above disseminating hurtful information about rivals.

Auburn doesn’t play Florida in 2010, but the Tigers do face Alabama.

Will Reggie Bush’s consequence and repercussions keep Cam Newton from the Heisman?  I don’t think they will.  Right now, there isn’t enough to take him down — no money trail.

Newton has earned his stripes by being an outstanding quarterback.  He helped Auburn gain their first BCS No. 1 ranking.  I think Heisman voters — some of whom got paid in their college days — will focus on his gridiron work.

I doubt there will be any carry-over on the field.  Listening to Newton’s statement, it seems he’s more fired-up than cowering.

I predict his passing and running will have competition shrinking.  I also believe he will bolt for the NFL after this NCAA football season.

Bolting for more news gathering on this story is what journalists will be doing for the rest of BCS season, I imagine.

Some imaginations are going to run wild, and I bet all sorts of things will be revealed.

Speaking of betting, the line in Las Vegas for the Georgia game suggests they believe Newton will be suspended.  The Auburn-Georgia game was taken off the board.

Give me your thoughts and comments, please.  Are you rolling the dice in relation to Newton winning the Heisman this season?