Auburn Football Coach Gene Chizik Speaks Out After NCAA Cleared Program

Strategic Insights -

Auburn football coach Gene Chizik expressed relief but moved on quickly from the NCAA's recent clearing of his program in the 13-month investigation into former quarterback Cam Newton. Chizik stated that he has always maintained confidence in the program's integrity, and the NCAA's decision validated his perspective. Despite the investigation's conclusion, Chizik emphasized his focus remains on winning football games, a priority he believes will drive the team's success. Newton, now a quarterback with the Carolina Panthers, initially downplayed the issue, suggesting that the outcome was unsurprising.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCAA cleared Auburn's football program after a 13-month investigation into former quarterback Cam Newton.
  • Auburn coach Gene Chizik expressed confidence in the program's integrity and stated that he had moved on from the issue long ago.
  • Chizik's focus remains on winning football games, and he believes this will be the driving force behind the team's success.
  • Cam Newton, now starting as a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, had a low-key reaction to the NCAA's decision, suggesting that the outcome was unsurprising.
  • Newton has set NFL rookie records and did not discuss the investigation with Chizik during their brief conversation.
  • Aubrun's athletics director, Jay Jacobs, received a letter from the NCAA detailing the findings of the investigation.
  • The NCAA interviewed over 50 individuals as part of the investigation, including four former Tigers players who made allegations of wrongdoing.
  • The NCAA concluded that there was no evidence that Cam Newton or Auburn knew about the allegations that Newton's services were shopped to Mississippi State.

Statistics:

  • The NCAA conducted more than 50 interviews as part of the investigation into Auburn's football program.
  • The investigation lasted for 13 months.
  • Cam Newton is currently starting as a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and has set multiple NFL rookie records.

Sources:

  • Auburn University Athletics website.
  • The Charlotte Observer.
  • USA TODAY.
  • HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
  • Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser.