And the plot thickens.
It was reported by multiple sources last week that the FBI had an interest in the alleged pay-for-play scheme reportedly engineered by the father of Cam Newton. One of the central figures in the case, former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond, was interviewed by FBI agents on Tuesday.
Now, according to one celebrity gossip website, the tentacles of the feds’ look into the Newton situation may be reaching out to someone associated with the Heisman frontrunner’s current school.
According to TMZ.com -- yes, we know the drill. Grain... salt... take it -- agents from the FBI asked an unnamed person connected to the Newton case if he was familiar with one Milton McGregor.
McGregor is a well-known Auburn booster who in 2008 donated $1 million toward the construction of a new arena at the school. He was also one of several prominent businessmen arrested in a sting last month for allegedly bribing Alabama politicians in exchange for pro votes on gambling legislation.
As noted by the website, it’s unclear at this point in time what connection McGregor has to the Newton case, other than the obvious ties to Auburn. In the interest of full disclosure, we have caught wind of a couple of rumors spread over the past few days containing McGregor’s name specifically in relation to the Newton case, but, thus far, there’s been no corroboration to the speculation available from any type of credible sources.
UPDATED 7:47 p.m. ET: Through his attorney, McGregor has released a statement to WSFA-TV this evening.
“Contrary to postings on celebrity and sports blogs, Milton McGregor has never had any contact direct or indirect with Cam Newton, Cecil Newton - Cam’s father, Kenny Rogers or anyone purporting to represent Cam Newton. Mr. McGregor has never been asked to provide money for any recruitment or compensation of any current or perspective student athlete including Cam Newton at Auburn or any other school, and has never provided any type of compensation in that regard period no exceptions. As a proud supporter of Auburn University Mr. Mcgregor wants it known that he does cheer loudly for Cam Newton and thinks he is the best athlete in college football.”
