In the wake of the repercussions felt at USC due to Reggie Bush‘s acceptance of monetary compensation for his college football career and the ongoing woes of UNC due to an improper benefits scandal, one would think  the message is clear: Keep your nose clean and play ball long enough to go pro.

For some, the few years’ wait to go from Division-1 to the big leagues is a bit too long, and it seems we can now add Cam Newton (albeit indirectly) to the list. As the story goes, the father of the former UF quarterback—who is now a standout at Auburn University and a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy—wanted cold hard cash in exchange for his son’s letter of intent.

He is said to have made this clear to the staff at Mississippi State University, and wound up signing with Auburn, leading most to believe that Auburn was willing to pay up.

Newton allegedly expressed his regret to a recruiter and said he signed to play at Auburn because the “money was too much.” Newton had reportedly been offered up to $200,000 by other universities. Mississippi State officials reported this to the SEC back in January.

Newton’s father, Cecil Newton, now says he never tried to solicit money and said that if such an act was indeed committed, it is the fault of Newton’s agent, Kenny Rogers. Interestingly enough, Rogers is a former Mississippi State football player.

Newton’s family has been asked to submit financial documents to the NCAA, including statements of work done at the church where Cecil Newton is pastor. In recent days, state and federal officials have been asked to assist the NCAA in such investigations to help crack down on the illegal activities.

Of course, plenty of questions arise concerning the fate of Cam Newton. Did Mississippi State offer money to him, as well? Did they snitch on him because he chose to go another route? How far does a pastor’s word go with the NCAA? Most importantly, what does this mean for an Auburn team that is undefeated, ranked second in the BCS, and therefore has everything to lose?

We will no doubt find out the answers to these questions soon. Unfortunately, the NCAA has a history of punishing the players and teams in much worse ways than those who agree to corrupt the sport. Until that changes (and maybe no matter what), Cam Newton will probably not be the last talented standout to lose ground in an attempt to gain some green.

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