The NCAA is currently investigating reports that the father of Cameron Newton, quarterback of second-ranked Auburn and a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, demanded money from schools during the recruiting process.
According to ESPN, Cecil Newton told Mississippi State University that it would take a payment of $100,000 to $180,000 for his son to sign with the program. The allegations, if true, would compromise Cameron Newton's eligibility and possibly invalidate Auburn's season.
Whether or not the Newtons solicited money from universities in exchange for Cameron's football ability has yet to be determined, but regardless of the outcome, the NCAA has a huge problem on its hands.
In September, 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush was forced to return his award after it was discovered that he and his family received large gifts from agents during his playing days at the University of Southern California, according to Fox Sports.
Sports Illustrated recently ran a cover story on an agent who paid dozens of college football players over his career.
While Cameron Newton is the most prominent player under allegations at this time, he is certainly not the first. If the NCAA does not step in to end this problem, the college football landscape will start to resemble the NFL.
