CamDate - 21 December, 2010
Where things Stand –
1. For the last 5 years Pat Dye, Jimmy Rane, Bobby Lowder, Wayne Hall, Jay Jacobs, and Milton McGregor still remained heavily involved with several facets of Auburn University and Auburn Athletics. This has continued in spite of their actions (either individually or collectively as a group) has caused Auburn to be sanctioned by either the NCAA or SACS. In 2005, the indoctrination of “Pat Dye Field” was ratified by the BoT, with Jimmy Rane even joking during the Trustee meeting, asking if “he could vote more than once” on the motion.
2. Paul Davis on October 21, 2010, suggests a lobbying/consulting group has been used by the Auburn Athletic Foundation to launder cash ultimately ending up in the hands of players/player families. Robert Geddie was a partner in the firm Fine-Geddie until his indictment and arrest in October. Among other things, Geddie is accused of working with the state’s major gambling interests to influence and/or buying votes favoring proposed gambling houses.
The Tuskegee News - October 21st
Jarrod Massey (one of those indicted) has since pled guilty to all charges against him contained in the indictment. Another interesting tid-bit is that Geddie, approx. 2 weeks before Massey’s Plea, ended his representation with his Criminal Defense Atty. and hired Sam Franklin (Lightfoot, Franklin & White) who specializes in NCAA counsel issues for Auburn, University. He also serves as THE corporate counsel for Bobby Lowder and related business interests since Jack Miller’s passing. Franklin is especially recognized as an extremely successful negotiator within the legal circles of the Southeastern US.
Rumors and suggestions surrounding the misuse of TUF funds as reported by Paul Davis remain and grow with each negotiated plea. Pouncy and Massey are the 1st two to succumb, but the confirmation of abuses with PAC to PAC transfers, payoffs, and bribes confirms the general pattern suggested by Davis. Discovery regarding BingoGate is still pending, which according to Davis contain conversations between Dye, Rane, Coaches, and McGregor discussing similar abuses with AU TUF and AU PAC contributions. More than once there has been mention of common cell phone number involved with both CamGate and BingoGate, something expected to be either confirmed or denied once discovery is completed. (See #3 below)
3. MSU discloses a request made by Cecil Newman involving a P4P scenario ultimately leading to Cam playing for his old coach, Dan Mullen. Cecil, AU, and Cam all deny all claims calling them ludicrous, triggering all kinds of speculation regarding Cam’s eligibility status. Cecil later admits to initiating the P4P request, yet Cam still plays in the Georgia game and Iron Bowl. The Tuesday before the SECCG, the NCAA rules Cam eligible to play in Atlanta, “based on the information provided by AU at that time.” There was a nationwide outcry of disgust, given his father’s admission and the SEC apparent lack of proper application of integrity rules.
4. There is continued speculation that Lowder, McGregor, Rane, Dye, Chette Williams and other boosters continue to be involved in elaborate P4P schemes. Rumors surrounding the 2010 recruiting class involving ATM cards, parental benefits, slush funds. NY Times Article
5. Sue Bell Cobb, Geddie, AG Tony King, Massey, Lowder, Gilley, and McGregor are suggested to be participants in an elaborate Breach of Trust (Embezzlement), Racketeering, Bribery, and Fraud operation involving various judicial branch candidates which involves a Not-For-Profit organization known as The Children’s First Foundation. It is rumored to involve financing certain election campaigns placing “chosen” individuals in a position to gain favorable court rulings or appointments. The 1st order of business is rumored to be overturning the ruling declaring the Governor’s special task force investigating Casino Gambling valid and constitutional. Massey’s guilty plea confirms the possible cash transfer vehicle being used, as well as confirming relationships and correlations between the various Lobbyists controlling PAC-to-PAC contributions (similar to those detailed in BingoGate). Also becoming unraveled are the ultimate source of the funds transferred, the curious relationships between Lightfoot, Franklin, & White, Auburn University PAC Funds and Foundations, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the parties listed above, and the stated opinions of Alabama’s current AG.
6. P4P. With the admission of Cecil to his P4P request made to MSU, pointed and direct questions either to Cecil, Cam, or AU athletics by Media outlets have been virtually non-existent, with no apparent reasoning. No one has publically asked Cam point-blank ”how could you not know what your father was up to?” “What is the reasoning behind you changing your statements on who decided you would attend Auburn?” Cecil has turned up MIA, and AU has no comment, yet they steadfastly deny any investigation regarding Cam and P4P. As this story unfolds, the names of other players are emerging with questions. The Recruitment of Michael Dyer, Tr. Reed, Oregon signee Lache Seastrunk, CJ Mosely, USCe signee Lattimore, as well as Coaches Luper and Taylor are those most prevalent. The 65-count BingoGate indictment lists certain conversations recorded during the FBI’s investigation. The indictment date, the apparent timeframe McGregor and the rest of the group realized surveillance possibilities, and the signing date for the 2010 class all correlate. This, combined with the re-involvement of Dye, Wayne Hall, Jay Jacobs and the continued involvement of Chette Williams in the current coaching staff are individuals all implicated in “tainted” activities of some sort, which do nothing but heighten P4P suspicions.
7. Approx. 3 days before the UGA contest, there were huge outcries of “this is a scam” from Auburn Administrators, Players, Coaches, and Fans. The media was in attack mode, digging deeper and deeper with every click, blog post, etc. National Media hinted at something getting ready to break wide open at any moment, suggestions mostly led by those covering ESPN College Football, but nothing of substance ever emerged. Access to Newton and Staff has become regulated, with CGC even at post game press conference tables restricting the questions asked of Cam by the mainstream press. The Heisman interviews seemed “canned”, rehearsed or staged, all in an apparent attempt to portray the appearance of a thorough interview, but in reality providing nothing more than a “Puff Piece” about all things “Cam.” To suggest the media went on lockdown is an understatement. Certain Alabama radio stations went so far as to interview supposed “reporters” close to the situation, but in reality were staged proclamations to suggest CamGate had ended. There has been almost no questioning of eligibility discussed during any broadcasts by the two largest outlets covering college football (ESPN and CBS), and it is eerily quiet regarding this topic since the conclusion of the Iron Bowl. It has been pointed out that the two primary networks covering College Football possess contractual broadcast agreements with the SEC in excess of $1.8Billion. There are speculations as to the relative silence, but know one really knows the answer.
The suspicions, assumptions, or implied relationships described in the OP or subsequent summaries have yet to be debunked or proven false. In fact, review of PAC-to-PAC contributions, pleas, court filings, and other documents further substantiate the assertions contained in the original post. At least 4 of these assertions were subsequently confirmed in media reports. Further confirmation regarding certain relationships between BingoGate, Colonial/TBW, CamGate, and the suggested judicial review is expected as Defendants in the various investigations either plea or testify. The “in-common” counsel relationships, firm representations, common elements, and other “rumored” connections not yet disclosed will add fortification to foundations supporting posts made by noted “insiders” referenced both in the OP as well as those posted in recent days.
Here are a list of questions or issues which have yet to be resolved......
• Why the obvious progression from MSU-P4P to AU-P4P has not been asked or pushed further by the media? Questions relating to the “Cone of Silence” involving the Newton’s still abound. Why did Cam change previous statements to those now correlating to information provided in the reinstatement application made by AU to the NCAA committee? IF the family was so close (as portrayed by the media and the Newton’s), how did Cam not know his Father shopped him like a “rented mule?” PFienbaum’s almost intentional deflection of investigation confirmations is also cause for query.. .
• What is the relationship between the Newton’s Church Network, Relatives in Detroit / Chicago, other Newton Businesses, and the abatement of condemnation proceedings on the Newton facilities? The original rumblings about a trucking company used as a vehicle of funding the P4P have taken new life and expanded into also involving a grounds maintenance company. The Church facilities seem to still be under scrutiny, with possible ties to NFP operations in Detroit/Chicago. Is this organization a shell front for other enterprises? What are the relationships (if any) between Palomar Insurance (Henley), Hooper, Goff and the Newtons? Lots of supposition, but nothing confirmed as of yet…..
• Supposed P4P funding vehicles – Loaded ATM Cards, Cash thru various NFP venues, the relationship between Team Chaplin and the Athletic Department, the promotion of certain TUF managers within the AD, the relationship between certain “handlers” and contributions to the “handler’s organizations by either boosters or individuals within the AU administration, Counter Checks, Booster “slush-funds” as described by TBowden, supposed dealings with a dealership in Talladega, AL whose client list contains an inordinate amount of Au player families as clients, without any apparent geographic correlation – a dealership whose owner is also a State Senator under indictment for agreeing to accept a $2MM bribe from another AU Booster to secure favorable votes on gambling legislation. How all of this unfolds is highly dependent upon what is uncovered through the various Federal Investigations currently underway, as well as how much of that uncovered is disclosed to other authorities, either through quid pro quo or testimony / disclosures during court proceedings.
• The “Thread” which weaves the various investigations together – Now 2 of the 11 conspirators in BingoGate have pled guilty to the charges contained in the October Indictment. Lee Farkas has been indicted on numerous charges stemming from his activities while CEO and Chairman of TB&W, which led to fraudulent disclosures by Colonial BancGroup on TARP fund applications. Two Colonial exec’s were also named in the indictment and are reported as cooperating in the investigation. Lowder, McGregor, Dye, Rane as well as other senior bank executives are also under investigation involving the $2.9Billion backstop the FDIC provided BB & T for Colonial’s bailout. The relationship between PAC to PAC contributions made in various political races involving key judicial and administrative positions within Alabama politics, positions which could influence appointments to investigations, various state boards, Trustee appointments, etc. are also at issue. Included in this thread are discussions involving the Legal Council and Representation “teams” for those under investigation or indictment, and the “curious” correlations inter-twinned between the various investigations underway - noting the areas of “expertise” each counsel team member represents. From the information provided, uncovered, and posted thus far, an eminent collapse of the incestuous relationships implied by those “in the know” is certainly possible as further plea agreements with those involved are reached. This, combined with additional indictments rumored on the horizon should, if nothing else, lead to a very lengthy vetting process by all parties involved before the effects on AU and the state as a whole are fully understood and comprehended.
• SACS & NCAA– who knows how, or more importantly when, these two governing bodies tie in with the big picture. It has been confirmed through published reports that Cecil Newton has furnished some financial records to the NCAA. The information provided to date indicates an NCAA “exploratory” investigation is underway involving not only AU athletics, but other schools as well. Unconfirmed reports of UTenn, Georgia, MSU, and OU being questioned have been made. Comments made by JJacobs, CGC, and other administrators have also confirmed such. The eligible, ineligible, eligible “3 card monty” played by AU and the NCAA reinstatement committee has been beat to death, but finally understood based on the update to the OP of 12/1/2010. What is yet explained is the lack of response by the SEC, especially since Slive issued a suspension of BPearl just 2 weeks earlier for similar league infractions based on “established evidence.” This in turn leads to a whole different pile of speculation, none of which has grown legs to date.
Showing posts with label Pat Dye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pat Dye. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
PREFACE
College Football is considered a “second religion” amongst fans during the fall months in the Southeastern Conference. Oftentimes, the work-week ends at noon on Thursday allowing fans the ability to travel to an out of town venue, or begin preparations for the oddity known as “tailgating” celebrated in all its’ glory before each and every game. From the time the work whistle blows signaling the release from the incarceration of our daily lives to the final horn signaling the end of a hard fought contest, a steady crescendo of anxiety and emotion builds to a frenzy exemplified in what is commonly known as the passion of the SEC. Often copied but never duplicated, conferences have grown envious of what all of us consider a way of life.
Tigerdroppings.com is an invaluable venue allowing ‘all things known” to be quickly disseminated to the curious located throughout the world. It makes it’s way to the traveling businessman, as well as the vacationing or transplanted lurker; to those working offshore, or to the thousands serving our country in the military stationed abroad. Nearly every athletic organization and sport is represented. It is often sought in determining the best solution to a particular problem, garnering the catch phrase WWTDD ”What Would TigerDroppings Do?” Most importantly, it is a format where people can share and offer opinions regarding the News, Sports, and other information pertinent to our lives.
The unfortunate circumstances currently swirling around Auburn’s Athletic Department have been quietly rumbling for months, with the events of these last two weeks leading to an explosion of information most minds are incapable of comprehending. It is for this reason I, with the assistance of the many members of TD’s SEC Rant, gathered the information, discussions, and opinions being shared, consolidated the high points, and compiled everything into a reader friendly format – sort of a “CamGate for Dummies.” That said, I am not the original source of the information provided, nor can I, or will I, verify any information contained herein. With that understanding, the following is a compilation of threads, discussions, and opinions taken from TigerDroppings.com’s SEC Rant regarding Cam Newton, Auburn University, and Auburn’s Board of Trustees.
blueTunaTiger
BEAUREGARD TOWN
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?
John Bond - Former MSU QB now living in Madison, Miss. Director of business development for Eutaw Construction. His company specializes in heavy construction, although they branched off in the last few years and built some game-day condos near the Mississippi State stadium. Supposedly had 1st contact with Kenny Rodgers and his alleged representation of Cam Newton
Greg Bryne - MSU AD which John Bond asserts he immediately told once he learned about the Newton PFP Scheme. Was responsible for providing PFP information to the SEC. Resigned his post Spring, 2010 taking a similar position at Arizona. Was replaced with the National Search find of Scott Stricklin – Named Mississippi State’s associate athletics director for external affairs in May, 2010. Scott, who has spent the previous five seasons at Kentucky as associate AD for media relations overseeing men’s basketball, is a Jackson native and graduated from KSU in 1992
Mike Slive – Replaced Roy Kramer as Commissioner of the SEC on July 1, 2002. He previously was the first commissioner of Conference USA from 1995 to 2002, and the first commissioner of the Great Midwest Conference upon its founding in 1991. Practiced law in New Hampshire; Served as judge of the Hanover District Court from 1972 to 1977, and was a partner in a Chicago law firm. He was assistant director of athletics at Dartmouth College, assistant executive director of the Pacific-10 Conference, and director of athletics at Cornell University from 1981 to 1983. In 1990, he became senior partner and founder of the Mike Slive-Mike Glazier Sports Group, a legal practice specializing in representing colleges and universities in athletics-related matters.
Cecil Newton, Cam Newton– Pastor of Holy Zion Center of Deliverance in the Atlanta suburb of Newnan, Georgia, and father of Cam Newton, The Auburn player this epic story surrounds. Rumored to own RM Trucking, a small local carrier based in Jacksonville, Ga. Cam Newton is Auburn’s embattled starting QB that played previously at the Univ. of Florida before transferring to a Junior College. Bill Bell – Former MSU Player, president of Bel-Mac Roofing Co. in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Was the man Kenny Rogers left a voice message with stating Cecil Newman wanted to speak with him. Also rumored to have taped conversations between Himself and Newton where Newton Shops Son’s Commitment.
Kenny Rodgers – The so-called “handler” requested by Cecil Newman to make introductions at MSU. Operates Elite Football Preparation, a company that places prospective athletes in football camps throughout Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Illinois. Also has direct links to Ian Greengross, a certified Agent by the NFLPA, acting often as a “Runner” for Greengross.
Dan Mullen – Head Football Coach MSU. Was offensive Coordinator at Univ. of Florida prior to be coming MSU’s Head Coach. Both Mullen and his wife Megan built Relationship with Cam Newton during his freshman year at the Univ. of Florida. Mullen is credited with the development of several notable quarterbacks including Alex Smith (Utah), Josh Harris (Bowling Green), Chris Leak (Florida) and Heisman Trophy-winner Tim Tebow (Florida). Mullen, along with LSU Offensive Coordinator Gary Crowton and University of Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly, are part of the so-called "New Hampshire mafia" as they all have strong connections to New Hampshire.
Jody Wright – Asst. coach at MSU in 2009, now on staff at UA in the same capacity - was the one who recruited Cam Newton for Mississippi State. It's believed that Wright is speculated to be the (legal) middle-man between the Newton's and MSU. Was interviewed by the NCAA on November 15th. Upon completion of that Interview, NCAA headed immediately to Auburn.
Gene Chizik – Named Head Coach of AU on Dec. 13, 2008. Prior to Auburn, Was head coach at Iowa State, compiling a 5-19 record in two seasons. Chizik was also at AU during the 2002-2004 seasons acting as DC under Tuberville. Jay Jacobs – Named AU’s AD on Dec. 22, 2004, after working in almost every area of the Dept. for the previous 20 years. Played Football for AU as a Walk-on offensive tackle in 1982 and 1983. After College, Held various positions in AD while working under then Coach and AD Pat Dye. Was Sr. Assoc. AD in charge of Tigers Unlimited from 2001-04, the lead Fundraising arm of the AU AD. Also spearheaded a $90 million capital campaign for Athletics, the largest AU history.
Pat Dye - Head coach and AD at AU from 1981 until 1992. Dye was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Served as defensive coach at UA from 1965 to 1973 under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Ranked 3rd in AU football wins with a record of 99-39-4. Reign on the Plains ended abruptly after the 1992 season, the result of a NCAA probe relating to illegal loans, payments, and gifts made by boosters and assistant coaches to then player Eric Ramsey. At the time, the most severe penalty handed down by an NCAA Committee.Eric Ramsey - The defensive back AU in the early 1990s who used a tape recorder to secretly record conversations between his football coaches and Booster "Corky" Frost regarding an illicit player payment scheme. Ramsey's allegations also included racist practices at Auburn, including disapproval of inter-racial dating in the community and segregation of black and white players in the resident athletic dorm. After his tapes were revealed, Auburn received strict penalties and probation for the sixth time in the schools history
Terry Bowden – a.k.a. “Tater Tot”, and son of the legendary Bobby Bowden. Became AU head coach in 1992. During his first year at Auburn, Bowden led the Tigers to a perfect 11–0 season, becoming the first coach to go undefeated in his debut season at a Division I school. In 1994, Auburn finished 9–1–1, establishing the longest winning streak in school history at 20 games. While still suffering from the sanctions rendered for Dye & Co’s transgressions, in 1998 Bowden's fate at AU changed as he faced criticism for recruiting woes and off-the-field player discipline issues. Compound these problems with a string of injuries at center and in the backfield and you have to a disastrous start of the 1998 season. After starting with a 1–5 record, Bowden resigned as head coach the night before Auburn played against Louisiana Tech, replaced with Bill Oliver.
Bill Oliver – He is best known as a DC at both UA under Gene Stallings and at AU under Terry Bowden, the latter where he also served as interim head coach in 1998. Was at the center of Bowden controversy, allegedly working with longtime booster and then BoT member Bobby Lowder conspiring to have Bowden fired.
Wayne Hall – Longtime asst. and DC under both Dye and Bowden. Was the supposed “Bookkeeper and Bag Man” for payments to touted recruits under Dye, which continued under Bowden. Started Coach’s Construction of Auburn, has been recognized as a premier business leader in the AU community. (see link)
Gene Jelks – UA defensive Back and prize recruit which received $2,100 as a "signing bonus" when he committed to Alabama in 1985 and received money from coaches and boosters during his playing career, which ended with the 1989 season. He, along with Antonio Langham and his role in NapkinGate, led to the departure of Gene Stallings and Staff, along with most of the Athletic Dept.
Tommy Tuberville – AU Head Coach from 1999 to 2008. During his tenure Tubs guided AU to the top of the SEC, Winning both the SEC Championship and the Western Division title in 2004. Made 8 straight bowl appearances and 5 New Year's Day bowls. Was a perfect 13–0 in 2004; In 2005, finished 9–3 with victories over UGA and UA. Had a winning record against UA (7–3) including 6 straight, more than any other Auburn coach. Also broke even with Georgia and LSU (5–5).
Tony Franklin – Much maligned OC hired by Tubs to install the spread offense. Never really had the proper personnel at skilled positions, and was later fired for lack of performance. Was most noted for his quote in the AJC sometime after his termination – “People would be shocked at the stuff that goes on at Auburn - it would make headlines for the National Enquirer”
Trooper Taylor – Current assistant head coach, wide receivers coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at AU. Instrumental in Auburn signing a consensus top-five recruiting class in 2010. Named by Rivals.com to its list of the top 25 recruiters for the 3rd time, having previously earned the recognition in 2005 and 2007. Served in a similar capacity at OK. State, landing prize 5* players Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter. Has held similar positions at both UT and Tulane. Although never formally sanctioned, rumors and innuendo have always followed Taylor with respect to PFP controversies and inappropriate gifts to prospective players, especially while at Tulane. Rich McGlynn – Current AU AD Compliance Officer. Prior to AU, was employed by the NCAA from 2001 to 2006, most recently serving as Associate Director of Membership Services. Prior to that, was an Assistant Director of Membership Services and a Student-Athletes Reinstatement Representative within the Enforcement Services arm of the NCAA. Was Commissioner of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference from 2000-01 and was a legal specialist for the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office (2000-01). Served as a legal specialist to the Office of Counsel to the Governor to the State of New Jersey (1999-00).
W&L – According to those in the know, in real life is a fairly influential religious figure in Al. working with athletes at the high school and collegiate level. In cyber space, he’s a long-Time member of Bama OnLine, who evidently is very well placed within the Bama athletic machine. Rarely does he post, but when he does most take it to the bank. Doesn’t always post the actual facts as “Gospel”, but rather his opinion based on unrevealed concrete facts. Evidently was way ahead of the Jones/Ingram fishing saga, the Saban hiring, and most recently the Dareus suspension. Also the seed for the Egg’s nearly 1200 post thread regarding W&L’s “e-cred.”
Paul Davis – Editor for the Opelika-Auburn News and the Tuskegee News Press. Often critical of Lowder and his mingling, broke the piece on October 21st regarding the ties between Geddie, Auburn, and the Vote buying indictments. Also authored the interview with Bowden in 2001 on his ranch regarding Lowder, Dye, and the BoT
Bobby Lowder – AU BoT member since 1988, and Chairman of AU Finance Committee. Also the largest booster with AU Athletics. Current Trustee position expires Late 2011. Was chairman and CEO of Colonial BancGroup, a $26Billion Nat’l. Bank headquartered in Montgomery Al. until it’s failure in Mid-Late August, 2009. Lowder is often thought of as the Wizard behind the Curtain, manipulating the Ala. political machine as well as the AU BoT and AD as he feels. Up until Colonial’s failure and takeover and liquidation by the Feds, Lowder was labeled as the most powerful man in Alabama. Also the most disliked individual within AU, outside of his inner circle.
Milton McGregor – Large AU Athletics Booster, and Owner of VictoryLand, an area located in Shorter, Alabama that consists of a greyhound racing track, casino, and a 5-star hotel. It was dubbed as a “racino.” Ala. Governor, Atty General, and approx 100 Ala State Troopers tried to seize bingo machines on Jan. 29th, but were blocked by a temporary restraining order blocking State access. Since August 12, 2010, VictoryLand has closed its casino, restaurant and hotel operations. McGregor was arrested on October 4th, along with several of his legislative cronies as part of a Vote buying scam. This was the same casino operator that led to the lawsuits against former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford. Larry Langford – Former Birmingham Al. mayor in jail for taking $235,000 in cash and gifts from associates profiting from Jefferson County bond deals. Was also sued by several individuals claiming he received ill-gotten winnings from rigged bingo machines at VictoryLand, in exchange for receiving political favor and to promote approval of business dealings for affiliates of the Macon County Greyhound Park, mainly McGregor.
Jimmy Rane – Another Long Time AU Booster, Rane is the CEO and founder of Great Southern Wood Preserving, which makes YellaWood, a rot resistant pressure treated lumber used in a multitude of construction and landscaping applications. He is also the founder of the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which promotes higher ed through scholarships for lesser-advantaged students with low incomes or unsuccessful surroundings. Rane’s involvement in AU Boosters goes all the way back to the Bowden era. In fact, Bowden referred to him, in his 2001 interview with Paul Davis “…as a wannabe, a jock sniffer, a loose cannon. He wants to be involved in everything. He is high maintenance.”
Paul Spina and John C. McWhorter – Spina of Spina Enterprises, Pelham, Al (Real Estate & Investments) and McWhorter of McWhorter & Co., Anniston, Al (General Contractor) are the two BoT members along with Rane that Bowden accused of making direct payments to players during both Dye’s and Bowden’s tenure. Spina still sits on the BoT, while McWhorter’s at-large term expired in 2008.
ORGANIZATIONS – TERMS – ACRONYMS
Colonial BancGroup - $26Billion financial institution controlled by Lowder headquartered in Montgomery, Al. August of 2009, failed and was seized by the FDIC, and simultaneously sold to BB&T for $1Million. Currently under federal investigation for fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and money laundering (to name a few) in conjunction with the financial instability of both Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac. As late as 2007, board members included in addition to Lowder, John Miller, - AU BoT and lead partner of Miller, Hamilton, Snyder, and Odom – Mobile; Jimmy Rane (BoT), Pat Dye, and Milton McGregor. Paul Spina (BoT) was Chairman of Colonial Bank Group, Montgomery, a subsidiary of the Colonial parent holding company.
Victoryland / Quincy’s 777, an area located in Shorter, Alabama that consists of a greyhound racing track, casino, and a 5-star hotel. It was dubbed as a “racino.” Operations closed in late summer 2010, just before McGregor was indicted.
Bama OnLine (BOL)– Rivals.com site discussing all things Bama. ITAT conspiracy theorists feel several posters on this site are the machine behind the atrocity known as CamGate.
Tiger Sports Digest (TSD)– LSU’s Scout.com pay site. November 16th reports indictments handed down today involving Auburn Boosters caught on tape discussing PFP scheme.
Red Elephant Club (REC)- UA Athletics contribution vehicle and booster club. Not confirmed, but also rumored to have overthrown the Freemasons, the Illuminati, The US Federal Reserve System, The 7 Jewish Bankers controlling the world’s economy, as well as keeping the commitment of a 6:30am Friday tee time at Augusta National with Pope Benedict XVI
SACS- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - The Commission on Colleges that is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting for higher education institutions in the southern states.
ITAT – Inside the Auburn Tigers. Scout.com’s website with discussions all things Auburn.
PFP – Play-For-Play
BoT – Auburn University’s Board of Trustees
SECr – TigerDroppings.com’s SEC Rant
SIAP – Seen In Another Post
WWTDD – What Would TigerDroppings.com Do?
BACKGROUND HISTORY INVOLVING DYE, LOWDER, THE BoT, AND THE COACHES.
Terry Bowden--(Source: Darkside of College Football Interview with Paul Davis at Bowden’s ranch in 2001)
1) Way back in 1992-93, rumors and allegations surrounding AU's football program are swirling around Pat Dye, asst. coach Wayne Hall (the "Bookkeeper"), and Bobby Lowder; specifically, claims of both lump sum and monthly payments to highly touted recruits being made by the coaching staff and BoT members. Supposedly, 50-60 boosters would each contribute $5,000 to facilitate the payments. Hall collected the money from the boosters, as well as making the payments to the players. Hall and Dye also paid an Atlanta atty. $30,000 to forward to Gene Jelks as “juice” to keep him squealing about PFP programs at Bama. (This by the way if true, is absolutely hilarious!!)
2) The same year, Eric Ramsey uses a concealed tape recorder and documents booster "Corky" Frost's conversations with Dye and other coaches describing AU's PFP program and how it worked.
3) Before the shit-storm gets totally out of control with NCAA Investigations, Bobby Lowder 'ram-rods" Terry Bowden into Dye's position as coach, with the understanding Bowden keeps Hall (Paymaster and Bookkeeper) on staff, against the wishes of assoc. AD Mike Lude, because Lude knew Hall was the money man.
4) On August 18, 1993, Auburn was hit with some of the most severe penalties in the history of the NCAA (at that time). These included a two-year bowl ban, a one-year television ban (for the 1993 season), and the loss of 13 scholarships spread out over a four-year period. Dye was also banned from any appearance at an Auburn function until August 1995. The probation period, while enforced at the beginning of the 1993 season, did not actually start until the 1991 probations of the basketball and tennis teams ended. The probation therefore extended until Thanksgiving 1995.
5) Although Bowden admits to allowing Hall to honor payment agreements reached with existing players, Bowden begins the "termination" of the PFP program involving any new recruits, pissing Lowder off for not playing along, even though sanctions were severely limiting the talent pool in Football. Lowder begins to panic, has his daughter hired as Bowden's admin. asst. to keep tabs, and implements a "coup" of the Athletic Administration. He has Muse replaced with David Housel, someone to act more as a puppet controlled by Lowder. Also orchestrates BoT Members Jimmy Rane, Paul Spina, and John C. McWhorter as the BoT Football Advisory Committee, which orchestrates the demise of Bowden.
6) According to Bowden, Danny Rane (a walk on and YellaWood's son) is secretly sending AU practice tapes to Miss. St. to further the failure of Bowden and staff (also absolutely hilarious if true.) Bill Oliver (Bowden's def. coord.) brings a concealed tape recorder to a coaches meeting and prods Bowden into lying about supposed "votes of confidence" assured for Bowden and Staff by Lowder. Mid-season Tommy Tubs is promised AU's head coaching job, while still coaching at Ole Miss.
7) Bowden gets wind of all this, and resigns mid-season before the BoT and Lowder can orchestrate his formal termination. By doing so, Bowden secures a severance package of the Ranch where this interview took place, a lump sum payment of cash, and deferred installment disbursements, in all valued at over $1.8Million. Also included in the package is a confidentiality agreement sealing ANY discussion of Lowder, BoT, the Athletic Dept. or recruiting.
TOMMY TUBERVILLE- “TUBS” (source: AJC, Mobile Register, and ESPN Archived Articles via Google)
1) From 1999 to 2003, Tubs wins between 7-9 games per season, placing 1st in the West twice. On more than one occasion, Lowder and Tuberville butt heads during this period, pissing Lowder off.
2) That Lowder, then President William Walker, then AD Housel, and BoT members Franklin and McWhorter fly to Louisville to meet Bobby Petrino about replacing Tubs, starting the fiasco later known as JetGate.
3) Tubs gets pissed, threatens to go to the SACS (which is in the midst of it's own review of BoT problems caused by Lowder), and the whole thing blows up in Lowder's face. In an effort to keep Tubs at bay, his contract is renegotiated to include a disclosure provision that Tubs is to be notified before any contact with a potential coach or search is made.
4) Tubs goes 13-0 yet AU gets snubbed for 2004 BCS.
5) 2007 Saban is hired at the University of Alabama
6) Lowder and Co. are scared about the Saban hire and want Tubs out, allegedly because Tubs won't "actively" participate in PFP schemes which Lowder and Co. feel is necessary to compete with Bama's new hire. Also, the Tubs hire of Franklin as OC was a compete failure. Supposedly “YellaWood” (Still BoT Member) contacts Huston Nutt (Sexton Client) about possible interest. Nutt tells Sexton, who tells Tubs (also a Sexton client), who threatens litigation for breach of Search Notification clause.
7) AU and Boosters shell out $Millions to Tubs as settlement.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)-(source: Timeline - AJC Archives, Al.com, via Google)
1) April 1999. Budget cuts orchestrated by Lowder as head of BoT Finance Committee eliminate the PhD. program in Economics, pissing off a large portion of the faculty, including then Pres. William Muse. By Feb, 2001 (led behind the scenes by Lowder) Muse has enough, resigns under pressure, and takes a similar position with East Carolina.
2) March, 2001, Muse along with several faculty and Dept Chairs, initiate a formal complaint to the SACS that BoT has severely infringed upon the authority of the University President, specifically the "Micromanagement" by Lowder in both Academics and the Athletic Dept. They specifically site the termination/resignation of Terry Bowden as record.
3) SACS records 9 votes of no confidence and was in the process of initiating and investigation when AU sues the SACS for lack of due process.
4) In August, 2002 a Federal Judge appoints an independent examiner to look into allegations, as well as the financial ties between the various BoT members. Richard Bradley issues a report on December 13th, but the Judge, at the insistence of SACS, deems the report inadequate. So Bradley does another investigation, the results of which are curiously sealed by a separate court order, an order which still remains intact today.
5) SACS places AU on a one-year probation, the most severe sanction possible without pulling the accreditation entirely. Although hampered by a Federal Judge's restrictions, they were still able to substantiate Micromanagement issues. Specifically, the business relationships between Lowder's Bank, Atty Jack Miller (BoT member as well as lead counsel for Colonial Bank) Jimmy Rane (BoT Member whose Lumber Company's primary commercial banking relationship is with Colonial Bank, Also owning Colonial Bank Stock valued at the time over $2.4Million), would allow Lowder and his "minority" vote could influence the "majority" of the Board. They also noted Lowder & Co.'s involvement in both the Dye-PFP and Bowden termination as Micromanagement.
Chizik - (source: ESPN: editorial via Google with added supposition)
) Rane makes contact with Houston Nutt in 2008 mid-season, violating the search notification clause in TTubs' Contract renegotiation after JetGate.
2) Nutt tells Sexton (his Agent), which in turn tells Tubs who is also a Sexton client. Tubs resigns, gets a huge settlement, leaving AU coachless.
3) Lowder and AU continue search, which ultimately leads to the hiring of Chizik, a former Sexton client which with a 5-19 record would knowingly jump at any opportunity to enhance his resume. Chizik also was familiar with Lowder, Dye, and Co., as he previously acted as DC under Tubs, making him a perfect "puppet" for Lowder and crew to manipulate. Chizik's new Recruiting Coordinator is Trooper Taylor.
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