Former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers is scheduled to meet with officials from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office Dec. 9 to discuss the recruitment of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.
Rogers, who has worked with a sports agent, has said Newton's father, Cecil, asked two Mississippi State coaches for up to $180,000 at a hotel in Starkville, Miss., to secure his son's commitment to the Bulldogs. Rogers says the coaches declined the request, and MSU has said all of its employees acted properly.
Cecil Newton has denied any wrongdoing.
Rogers' attorney, Doug Zeit, said his client will meet with officials from the secretary's office and has been interviewed by the NCAA.
Secretary of State spokeswoman Pamela Weaver said Tuesday the office would not comment on "current, pending or potential investigations."
The Secretary of State's office enforces regulations under the Uniform Athlete Agent Act, which governs sports agents in Mississippi. Violators can be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison and pay up to a $10,000 fine along with additional civil penalties.
Rogers has a company called Elite Football Preparation, which holds camps in Alabama, Chicago and Mississippi, and matches football prospects with colleges.
Rogers has also come under scrutiny from the NFL Players Association.
The NFLPA issued a disciplinary complaint earlier this month against contract adviser Ian Greengross, and spokesman George Atallah said the union would be looking into Rogers' involvement with players as well. THE NFLPA identified Rogers as a recruiter for Greengross.
Greengross was cited for "violating numerous provisions of the NFLPA's agent regulations while recruiting and representing players," and, according to the union, is responsible for the actions of his recruiters, employees and associates.
Cam Newton remains eligible at Auburn. The Heisman candidate and second-ranked Tigers will play No. 18 South Carolina in the SEC championship game on Saturday.
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November 1st, 2024
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