The NCAA is investigating whether a representative of Cam Newton solicited money before the quarterback signed with Auburn, according to stories by ESPN and the New York Times.

From the ESPN story:

Former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond told ESPN.com that a teammate of Bond's at Mississippi State in the early 1980s contacted him soon after Newton's official visit to Mississippi State during the Ole Miss game in December, and said he was representing Newton. "He said it would take some cash to get Cam," Bond said. "I called our athletic director, Greg Byrne, and he took it from there. That was pretty much it." Multiple people told ESPN.com that Mississippi State called the SEC office with Bond's information shortly after he brought it to the attention of the school.

Bond released a statement through the Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss.

"During the 2009 football season, I was contacted by a former football teammate, who represented to me that he was speaking for the Newton camp. He told me that Cam Newton wanted to play at Mississippi State, but that a specified payment would have to be made. I reported the conversation to the Mississippi State Athletic Department. I was told by the Athletic Department that Mississippi State would not respond to the overture that was made to me, and that Mississippi State would continue to recruit Cam Newton as it does any other football recruit."

ESPN and the Times reported the former teammate is Kenny Rogers, who played at Mississippi State from 1982-85. Rogers operates a Chicago-based company called Elite Football Preparation, which holds camps in Chicago, Alabama and Mississippi. Rogers and his partner, agent Ian Greengross, have been scrutinized by the NFLPA and NCAA.

NFLPA spokesman Carl Francis told ESPN.com on Thursday the organization is "in the process of investigating (Rogers and Greengross) as we speak for violations of our rules and regulations."

Cecil Newton, Cameron's father, denied any wrongdoing to ESPN.com.

"If Rogers tried to solicit money from Mississippi State, he did it on his own, without our knowledge," Cecil Newton said.

Cecil Newton said the family received a letter from the NCAA "about a month ago" asking for financial statements. He said he submitted bank statements and records for the church where he is pastor, Holy Zion Center of Deliverance in Newnan, Ga.

Auburn spokesman Kirk Sampson, said in an email message to the Times on Thursday that Newton is eligible to play, but "we cannot comment any further at this time."

Mississippi State was one of the schools that Newton was considering before signing with Auburn last February. He visited both along with Oklahoma.

Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen was Florida's offensive coordinator when Newton was with the Gators in 2007 and 2008 before transferring to Blinn Junior College for the 2009 season.

Mullen declined comment to the Times, but told Rivals.com Radio in a recent interview about Newton, "That's a long, long, long story for another day, I'm sure."

Mullen said after a follow-up question, "I'll hold off on that, it'll be in the book."

Newton has led No. 2 Auburn to a 9-0 record this year while running for 1,122 yards and 14 touchdowns and throwing for 1,573 yards and 15 scores.

-- Erick Smith

Follow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith