Cecil Newton, the father of Auburn superstar quarterback Cam Newton, has served as a central figure throughout the NCAA's investigation. While the elder Newton has denied taking money from Auburn or any other school, an Atlanta TV station is reporting that he has admitted to talking about money with someone representing Mississippi State. From WSB-2:
A source close to the situation exclusively told Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne that the player's father, Cecil Newton, has admitted having conversations with an ex-Mississippi State University player about the possibility of under-the-table money if Cam Newton signed to play football at Mississippi State, though he's steadfastly maintained that no money ever changed hands and said no official at Mississippi State ever made such an offer.
In the report, Cecil Newton is careful to note that Cam Newton had no knowledge of the conversation. The ex-Mississippi State player cited in the report was not named. Regardless of the level of culpability held by the Newtons, if this report is accurate, then it's clear that violation of NCAA regulations was at least contemplated.