Auburn Tigers' athletic director backs Cam Newton despite allegations
Despite the turmoil that continues to surround Auburn quarterback Cameron ‘Cam’ Newton, the Tigers’ athletic director, Jay Jacobs, insists that he fully supports the Heisman Trophy candidate, who he asserts remains eligible both academically and athletically.
Newton is embroiled in the midst of “allegations and rumours” about his decision to transfer from the University of Florida in 2008. Many, including Jacobs, have said that these allegations have apparently been aimed at detracting Newton’s accomplishments and
accolades this season for the undefeated Auburn Tigers (10-0, 6-0 SEC), who are currently ranked No. 2 in the most recent Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings.
“In the past 24 hours, a lot of allegations have surfaced that date back two years ago and further,” the athletic director said in a prepared statement, according to ESPN.com. “These allegations and rumours about Cam Newton are unfortunate and sad because they
seem intent on tearing down the reputation of a young man who has done everything we’ve asked him to do. Cam has been and continues to be completely honest with us.”
According to a report released by FoxSports.com earlier this week, Newton had faced potential expulsion for alleged academic dishonesty during his time at the University of Florida. According to the report, the Tigers QB had been caught cheating at least three
times at Florida, and was scheduled to appear before the school’s Student Committee.
He instead decided to transfer to Texas’ Blinn College, before eventually transferring to Auburn. However, Jacobs and the rest of the Auburn staff and administration continue to stand behind the star quarterback, despite these most recent allegations.
“We will not go down that path or stoop to that level as others have apparently done. We will, however, emphatically say that Cam is eligible to play football at Auburn University both academically and athletically,” Jacobs said, according to ESPN.com. “I am
proud of this young man and the progress he has made to be a better football player and a better man. We are truly blessed that Cam is a part of the Auburn family, and we support him 100 percent.”
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