In the ESPN.com story published Thursday afternoon, it was reported that former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond was approached by a former teammate of his, Kenny Rogers, a few days after Cam Newton officially visited Mississippi State the weekend of November 27-29, 2009 and Rogers indicated to Bond that other schools had offered $200,000 for Cam Newton's signature on a National Letter of Intent and that he could get Newton to sign with Mississippi State for $180,000. Bond turned the information over to then Mississippi State athletic director Greg Byrne. And based on what is written in the ESPN.com story, Mississippi State then reported the information to the Southeastern Conference office.
Neither the SEC office or the NCAA would specifically comment on the story other than the SEC office indicating that they did receive information from Mississippi State.
Newton, who was seen ringing a Mississippi State cowbell and cheering for Mississippi State on television during the Mississippi State game he attended during his official visit, ultimately committed to Auburn on December 31st after also officially visiting Oklahoma (December 11th) and Auburn (December 18th).
The Mississippi State athletic department's only comment about the story is the same they sent to ESPN.com.
"We are comfortable that representatives of Mississippi State University's interests conducted themselves appropriately and in compliance with all NCAA by-laws. Mississippi State is committed to operating our athletics programs within the rules of the NCAA and Southeastern Conference, and we expect those affiliated with our program to continue to do the same."
ESPN.com story link
Gene Swindoll is the publisher of the GenesPage.com website, the source for Mississippi State sports on the Scout.com sports network. You can contact him by emailing swindoll@genespage.com.