College Football: How to Prevent Another Cam Newton Scandal

The NCAA has done a spotty job, but at least they are now dishing out discipline.

Except for Cam Newton.

Ah yes, Cam Newton. We all know him and if you ask anyone at Auburn, they will tell you he is a saint. Of course, one needs to look outside the homeland to get a less slanted perspective.

While the NCAA did find Cam not guilty of violations, the Auburn program is (once again) under investigation. Now, it does make sense that the NCAA might have a reasonable doubt as to Cam's awareness of the situation. His father was a minister and Newton might possibly have looked the other way and let Dad handle the recruiting because he is "a man of God." A quick aside—somehow, I don't see a similarity between Cecil Newton and Tim Tebow. I am proud the Tigers have cut off their connections with him.

Let the rabbits come out of hats! "Cam did know/did not know because of this reason or that reason." Opinions swirl around the room. But we are too grown up to settle these petty differences of opinion by arguing about what could have been. We can promote what is possible in the now. The point is that there is a new rule that needs to be implemented. 

To get large-scale publicity, call this unprecedented edict "Newton's Law" to cite its undeniable importance. Or something else—just get the law passed.

What is its importance? I'm glad you asked!

The proposed law would forbid a player from attending a school that paid for his services. Newton's Law would discourage athletic programs from paying players—even through boosters—because the players would not have to attend the school. In other words, a university could pay for a student's services and the student could take the money and run. Under this law, Mississippi State would have forwarded the money to Cecil Newton, but Cam would still have chanted, "War Eagle!" No problem at all.   

Many of the critics will respond by saying the practice is immoral and allows the players to still take advantage of the coaching staff. My answer—think about it.

What athletic program will be stupid enough to pay 18-year-old teenagers when they can have extra cash to use at a college where they can still play football? A recruit can get $3,000 from School A, but can use that money as "fun time" money by going out on dates Saturday night when he attends School B. Parents can use the money to pay off debts and not have to risk losing a profit indefinitely. You see, only the players (and their parents) have anything to gain from this new rule. Many coaches' greed will be neutered (or at least transfer to different strategies) when the two most likely consequences of will be losing money and coming under NCAA sanctions.

Any of your own suggestions? Feel free to comment.