By John Nestor

Montgomery, AL

Auburn is off the hook.

The NCAA announced that it found no major violations committed by Auburn regarding former quarterback Cam Newton or allegations regarding payments to players and has concluded its investigations of the football program.

The NCAA released a statement saying it has closed its 13-month investigation into Auburn's recruitment of Newton who won the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to the national championship.

The NCAA also cleared Auburn of allegations by four former players who alleged they were paid during their recruitment or careers.

The NCAA notified Auburn of the decision Tuesday in a letter from associate director of enforcement Jackie A. Thurnes.

"As I've said many times, I feel very confident about the way we run this program," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said Wednesday night. "I've said many times that we haven't done anything wrong, so quite frankly I moved on a long time ago."

Thurnes said NCAA enforcement staff and the university conducted more than 50 interviews into whether Newton was paid to sign with Auburn.

"The NCAA enforcement staff is committed to a fair and thorough investigative process," the NCAA said in a statement. "As such, any allegations of major rules violations must meet a burden of proof, which is a higher standard than rampant public speculation online and in the media.

"The allegations must be based on credible and persuasive information and includes a good-faith belief that the Committee on Infractions could make a finding."

Raven Gray, Stanley McClover, Chaz Ramsey and Troy Reddick told HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" that they received money delivered in book bags, envelopes and even handshakes while being recruited by or playing for Auburn.

Thurnes said the NCAA interviewed Gray and his family members and friends and that his claims were not substantiated "and in some instances were disputed by others."

The other three players interviewed by HBO declined to speak with the NCAA.

 

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NCAA Closes Auburn Investigation: Finds No Violations