Two sources who recruit for Mississippi State told school compliance officials in January that quarterback Cam Newton and his father each admitted in separate phone conversations that his college choice would be about money, ESPN's Joe Schad reports. The sources said that prior to Newton's commitment to Auburn, Cecil Newton said it would take "more than a scholarship" to get his son to that school and that a third party could provide specifics. Newton was told the school would not meet such a request, according to the sources, who say the information was relayed to SEC officials. An emotional Cam Newton is said to have later called another Mississippi State recruiter to express regret over changing his commitment to the school but that his father chose Auburn because "the money was too much."
Cam Newton, who is having a Heisman-caliber season for Auburn, declined comment when reached through the school Tuesday night. Cecil Newton, who previously has denied any wrongdoing, did not respond to an e-mail request for comment Tuesday night. The NCAA is investigating allegations surrounding the Newtons in regards to the recruiting process. ESPN.com reported last week that a man claiming to represent Newton during the quarterback's recruitment out of junior college last year allegedly sought payments in the range of $200,000 to secure Newton's signature on a national letter-of-intent. Auburn has also denied any wrongdoing.