Growing up in Columbus, home of thirty-eight contests between UGA and Auburn, I grew an intense "institutional" hate for the Auburn Tigers.  While I can appreciate the joy of having an increased chance to beat the Tigers, I have conflicted feelings.  The idea of athletes needing to be compensated is not one that I particularly agree with, but I can see why someone would harbor that idea.  

The trials and tribulations of Cam Newton, Cecil Newton, Auburn and Auburn fans could just as easily become our own.  Every year twenty or so individuals join our alma mater, some with financial needs/wants greater than others.   All schools, UGA or Florida, Alabama or LSU, SEC or ACC, Pac-10(12) or Big 10(12), have boosters who have the financial means to share with those students who need/want additional financial rewards for playing at a particular school.  As much as I believe the best in our players, coaches, staff and boosters, I don't for a second think that it couldn't happen to us.  Whether CMR knows of it, whether AD McGarity knows of it, I don't know.

But I do know that because of those same facts surrounding almost every school of import, I can't fully enjoy the spectacle that is the Newton scandal currently being played out.  Maybe it's better to put on the face of someone who is shocked, SHOCKED, to hear of such a thing in the wholesome world of SEC football, but I can't do it with sufficient sincerity. 

Whatever the outcome with the Newtons, good luck, Auburn.  You're probably going to need it.