Cam Newton Is Worth Every Penny to Auburn if Allegations Are True

If the allegations surrounding Cam Newton and his acceptance of improper benefits from Auburn University alumni turn out to be true, Cam Newton was still worth every penny. 

Once you get over the moral and ethical implications and realize that scholarship athletes getting paid is a common occurrence, you'll come to the conclusion that the investment in Cam Newton was worth the risk.

At 6'5" and 250 pounds, Cam Newton is a unique physical specimen that invokes fear in the hearts of tiny defensive backs that try to tackle him in the secondary. Most experts view him as the second coming of JaMarcus Russell, with a better work ethic and appreciation for his God-given ability.

In a season where several major programs are having a down year (Florida, USC, Texas) and several non-BCS teams are staking their claim to play in the national championship game (TCU, Boise State), Cam Newton has established himself as the best player in college football.

Heisman voters might be reluctant to check the box next to his name when they cast their ballots, however; that's understandable considering all the media backlash surrounding Reggie Bush over the last few months. 

The committee would be wise to err on the side of caution going forward.

That's not to say the two situations are the same. Reggie Bush received money from an agent over the course of three years while Cam (allegedly) received money from a booster to attend Auburn University.  

But in the end, improper benefits are improper benefits, and the committee has to protect itself. The best player in college football probably won't win the Heisman.

Did Auburn do the right thing if they paid Cam Newton? The odds were heavily in their favor they wouldn't get caught, and the potential results were too good to pass up. 

They are more relevant than their fierce rivals The Alabama Crimson Tide, they are 11-0 for only the third time in school history and will more than likely play in the national championship game and earn close to $3,000,000 for the appearance.

If you factor in ticket sales, jersey sales and the overall economic impact on businesses serving Auburn University interests, it sounds like a pretty good return on the investment to me.

People have to realize the SEC handles things differently. Football is religion down there.  Their priorities are football, football, football, spring football and high school football. 

Any of those schools would do whatever it takes to win the SEC and have a shot at the national championship.

Traditions run deep and losing is not acceptable. Nick Saban, Urban Meyer and Les Miles make more money than some NFL coaches for a reason.

The alumni at these schools expect results by any means necessary. It's not how you win, but if you win.

The most probable outcome to the whole situation is probation, loss of scholarships and the forfeiture of a few games. It's never a good thing when the FBI gets involved and key members in the scandal have already professed their guilt.

You can't unring the bell and erase people's memories though; what's done is done. 

Cam Newton is putting together one of the greatest seasons in Auburn football history and if he continues on his current pace, Auburn will win the Iron Bowl, beat South Carolina to win the SEC tittle, Cam Newton will win Player of the Year honors and battle Oregon in the big game.

What's a couple hundred thousand if you get all that?