AUBURN, Ala. — Four Auburn football players — Mike McNeil, Antonio Goodwin, Shaun Kitchens and Dakota Mosley — have been kicked off the team after being arrested early Friday morning on charges of robbery, burglary and theft of property.

The four are currently being held at Lee County Detention Center, each on a $511,000 bond, according to the Auburn Police Department.

(UPDATE: According to the Opelika-Auburn News, Mosley had posted bond.)

They were charged with five counts of robbery in the first degree and one count of burglary in the first degree, Class A felonies under Alabama state law, and one count of theft of property in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Running back Eric Smith, who was dismissed from the Auburn football team Monday, was arrested for domestic violence following an incident on Feb. 22, according to a report by the Opelika-Auburn News.
The 20-year-old Smith, who also served an academic suspension for the Outback Bowl at the end of the 2009 season, was dismissed from the team Monday for a violation of team rules.

Auburn H-back Eric Smith has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules, a school spokesman confirmed tonight. No further details were available.

Harvey Updyke, the man police say poisoned Auburn's Toomer's Corner oak trees, was released from jail Friday night after posting bail, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed.

Harvey Updyke, who is accused of poisoning the oak trees at Toomer's Corner in Auburn, was given a new court-appointed attorney Friday.

It was a full day of tree coverage in the wake of the Toomer's Corner oaks poisoning. Here are the Ledger-Enquirer's stories to fill you in after the arrest of 62-year-old Harvey Almorn Updyke of Dadeville, Ala.

The court-appointed attorney of Harvey Updyke, the man accused of poisoning Toomer's Corner oak trees, has moved to withdraw as counsel on the case.

A call to The Paul Finebaum Show and a suspicious voice message to an Auburn professor led police to arrest 62-year-old Harvey Almorn Updyke in the Toomer's Corner oak trees poisonings, according to an affidavit filed Thursday.

Stephen Enloe, an assistant professor for Agronomy and Soils at Auburn, became emotional when talking about the poisoned Toomer's Corner oaks Thursday, choking up as he gave a grim prognosis for the trees' survival.

"It's an emotional question," he said, maintaining his composure. "I always want to hold out hope. Based upon the technical experts I have consulted with around the country, the concentration of Spike found within the soil would suggest there's a very low probability."

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn police have arrested Harvey Almorn Updyke of Dadeville, Ala., in connection with the Toomer's Corner oak tree poisonings.

Bizarre story out of Auburn today: an herbicide commonly used to kill trees was deliberately applied in lethal amounts to the soil around the oak trees at Toomer's Corner, according to a university press release today.

The City of Auburn Police Division is investigating the situation, and the application of this herbicide, known as Spike 80DF, or tebuthiuron, is also governed by state agricultural laws and the Environmental Protection Agency. The university does not use Spike herbicide. There is no reason to suspect any human danger from the herbicide, which manufacturer Dow Chemical says should be applied with proper clothing protection; a typical use of the herbicide is to kill trees along fence lines.

The university learned that a caller to The Paul Finebaum Show, a nationally syndicated radio show based in Birmingham, on Jan. 27, claimed he had applied the herbicide. As a precaution, soil samples were taken the next day and sent to the Alabama State Pesticide Residue Laboratory on campus for analysis. Due to a small fire that occurred in the Alabama lab in December, the tests were sent to the lab at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., to expedite results.

The lowest amount detected was 0.78 parts per million, described by horticulture experts as a "very lethal dose." The highest amount detected was 51 parts per million, or 65 times the lowest dose. Experts believe a normal application by itself would have been enough to kill the trees, which are estimated to be more than 130 years old.

"We are assessing the extent of the damage and proceeding as if we have a chance to save the trees," said Gary Keever, an Auburn University professor of horticulture and a member of Auburn's Tree Preservation Committee. "We are also focused on protecting the other trees and shrubs in Samford Park. At this level the impact could be much greater than just the oaks on the corner, as Spike moves through the soil to a wide area." Additional tests are being completed to determine the movement and extent of the area affected, Keever said.

Auburn center Rob Chubb remains suspended indefinitely after being arrested and charged with four misdemeanors nearly two weeks ago, but coach Tony Barbee said he expects the sophomore to play before the end of the season.

AUBURN, Ala. — Only hours after the best game of his career, Auburn basketball center Rob Chubb was arrested on four misdemeanor charges near downtown on Jan. 30.

Cam Newton granted an interview with ESPN's Chris Fowler in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, during which he spoke about the allegations about his recruitment. Apparently these are the perks of working for the Worldwide Leader.

"Umm, honestly, we haven't. That's not something I'm trying to get clarity of, because I really don't care. At the end of the day, I can look him in his eye and he can look me in my eye, and I know that he has my best interest."

(Did you have any conversations with Mississippi State about the Auburn decision?)

"I had no deals with nobody at Mississippi State during the time that I came to Auburn. It was between Mississippi State and Auburn. And if you've been following this, that's no secret. But I feel as a whole, Auburn possessed what's best for Cam Newton. And that's why I decided to come here. On my decision."

(So the reports that you had conversations with MSU about Auburn are untrue)

"I'm not here to talk about any report. I called coach (Dan) Mullen. I told him what I had in my heart at the time. I talked to him and his wife, Miss Megan, and we had an excellent conversation. I wished them the best and they wished me the best. The conversation was rather emotional and was hard for me to do it. And I know it was probably hard for them to receive it. But I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep at night without me calling coach Mullen, man-to-man. Not hiding behind anything and being able to say I called him for the respect that I have for him."

(Anything in that conversations misunderstood or taken out of context?)

"Through my eyes, I feel like nothing was misunderstood. I was clear with everything I said during that conversation."

(How have you avoided distractions?)

"This goes back to that supporting cast, being able to have somebody I can talk to, being able to vent with a person, family member, coach or a teammate. That's been very key to my peace as a whole. Because without that it's a wonder where I'd be right now."

(On being ineligible, then eligible in a 24-hour period)

"It was crazy for me. But at the same time, I prayed about it and asked god for guidance during this time. Just bring me peace and that's what he gave me."

(You were very trusting of your dad throughout the process. Why?)

"I'm not sure. But that is my father. At the end of the day, whatever has been done, whatever has been said, that is my father. And I love him unconditionally. During this recruiting process, he pointed out key things that I really didn't see until he said it. The proximity from home. I was in a place in junior college where I couldn't see my family for a long time. I didn't think about it at the time because I was young at the time. And also, he pointed out the great coaching staff. He pointed out the senior leadership. He pointed out so many things. The fan support. There's a lot of things that we talked about, but he was bringing up a lot of decisions and a lot of situations. But at the end of the day, I was still the one making the decision."

(Another updated version of the story at 9:07 p.m. CT. Hopefully the last:

AUBURN, Ala. — Mississippi State booster Bill Bell told the NCAA last week that former Bulldogs teammate Kenny Rogers sent him a text message outlining a six-figure payment plan to get quarterback Cam Newton to sign with the school last year, according to an ESPN.com report.

Bell said Rogers, who has been described as a “recruiter” for an NFL agent, made the request on behalf of Newton’s father, Cecil.

Bell said he received a text message from Rogers outlining the payment plan, which requested $80,000 the day after Cam signed a letter of intent to play for Mississippi State, $50,000 more after 30 days and another $50,000 30 days after that.

“When he asked for it, it was like, ‘Bam!’” Bell told ESPN.com. “He told me this kid’s dad is going to want money and the next day he sent me a text message. He didn’t say anything other than, ‘This is what I want and I want it in three installments.’”

Bell said he has Rogers’ text message on an old cell phone, which was damaged by water. He is trying to retrieve it through his cell phone provider.

Auburn, which signed Newton last Dec. 31, has not been accused of wrongdoing in the matter.

School officials continued their stance on not commenting about the ongoing NCAA investigation into the Heisman Trophy candidate’s recruitment.

“I’m not discussing anything about Cameron Newton and that situation unless it has to do with the first 11 games he played in,” Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said.

Bell, who runs a roofing company in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., said Cecil Newton never specifically asked him for money, but he was present during three-way phone calls during which Rogers discussed the payment plan. Bell said he shared a series of voice mail messages from Rogers with the NCAA.

“(Cecil Newton) didn’t come out and say, ‘I want $180,000,’” Bell said. “He inferred it and talked about it, but not directly. Kenny would talk about it in front of him, and (Cecil) never corrected him or said, ‘No, that’s not what we’re doing.’”

NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn has said “the solicitation of cash or benefits by a prospective student-athlete or another individual on his or her behalf is not allowed under NCAA rules.” Potential penalties depend on multiple factors, including the benefit sought and player’s level of responsibility in the matter.

Bell joins former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond in saying Newton’s father was involved in pay-for-play talks about his son.

Bond, Bell and Rogers have met with NCAA investigators. Bond has also met with FBI officials, who are looking into players being shopped to colleges.

Bell said Rogers made the initial contact but that he also had phone conversations with Cecil Newton during Cam’s recruitment.

“He said it was going to take more than just a relationship with (Mississippi State coach) Dan Mullen and that Cam’s relationship with Mullen wasn’t what Mullen thought it was,” Bell said. “That’s when he said, ‘Dan Mullen is going to have to put a smile on my face if he thinks he’s going to get my son.’”

Rogers, who works for a company that connects prospective college athletes with schools, originally denied involvement in the matter but admitted on ESPN radio in Dallas last week that he relayed Cecil’s request of money to Bell.

Following Cam’s official visit to Mississippi State last November, Rogers said he followed Cecil out of Starkville, Miss., to a gas station, where Cam’s father asked him, “What are you thinking is going to happen? Is it going to go through?”

Rogers said he phoned his former MSU teammate Bell and left a message, asking about money.

Speaking about Bell’s quotes Wednesday, Rogers’ attorney, Douglas Zeit, told ESPN.com: “As I understand it, that was the payment plan Cecil Newton was seeking.”

Cecil, according to an Atlanta TV report last week citing an unnamed source, admitted to talking about money with Mississippi State but insisted Cam had no knowledge of it. Cecil said no money was ever exchanged.

Cam and his father reportedly met with the NCAA prior to the Georgia game last week. Despite questions about his eligibility, the quarterback played against the Bulldogs.

In other news Thursday, TMZ.com reported FBI officials looking into the Newton recruiting controversy asked someone about Milton McGregor, the owner of Victoryland casino who was indicted on charges of corruption last month after allegedly trying to buy pro-gambling votes in the Alabama legislature.

McGregor is an Auburn booster who donated $1 million toward the construction of the school’s new $86 million basketball arena in May 2008.

His attorney Joe Espy, released a statement to WSFA News refuting the TMZ report: “Milton McGregor has never had any contact direct or indirect with Cam Newton, Cecil Newton, Kenny Rogers or anyone purporting to represent Cam Newton.

“Mr. McGregor has never been asked to provide money for any recruitment or compensation of any current or (prospective) student athlete including Cam Newton at Auburn or any other school, and has never provided any type of compensation in that regard period no exceptions.”

Auburn coach Gene Chizik was in a no commenting mood Sunday, and it wasn't just about Cam Newton's situation.

Chizik said he would not comment about the status of senior defensive linemen Michael Goggans and Mike Blanc until after speaking with the SEC tomorrow.

Both players were ejected in the final minute of the Tigers' 49-31 win against Georgia on Saturday for taking swings at Bulldogs players.

"The SEC reviews every situation, penalty-wise, that is reviewable or brought to their attention," Chizik said. "We haven't talked with anybody.

"We know what happened last night. We're just going to reserve all comment until we really get some clarification on exactly what the status of those guys will be. I haven't had that opportunity yet."

Players who are ejected in the second half of games must sit out the first half of the next game, according to NCAA rules. For Goggans and Blanc, that would be the Iron Bowl the day after Thanksgiving.

Things got chippy near the end of the Georgia game. Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley appeared to be partially blocked into the knee of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray in the final minute. Murray had to leave the game.

After the end of the next play, Bulldogs center Ben Jones went after Fairley on the ground. It set off a scrum, which concluded with Goggans throwing a punch at Georgia tackle Clint Boling. He was ejected.

Two plays later, Bulldogs tackle Josh Davis blocked Blanc in the back at the end of a play near the Georgia sideline. Blanc turned around and took a swing that did not connect, earning an ejection.

Georgia coach Mark Richt took a knee after that too end the game before things got uglier.

Chizik expressed embarrassment after the game for what happened. Richt said he didn't require an apology.

"I know our guys were highly emotionally charged also,” Richt told the Macon Telegraph. “I’m not going to sit here and try to say their guys were doing one thing and our guys were doing another. I know that I had enough concern with what was going on that we took a knee to try to diffuse that situation.”

Although he wouldn't comment on the ejections, Chizik did comment on the growing perception that some of Fairley's hits are questionable. The junior was flagged for roughing the passer after hitting Murray in the back well after a play during the third quarter.

"That's not what we do here," Chizik said. "Everything we do here is going to be great effort. Are we going to make a mistake here or there with intensive effort? Yes. But I can assure you nothing is ever done intentional to harm another player."

OK, hopefully the last update of the night at 9:31 p.m. CT:

AUBURN, Ala. — Kenny Rogers, the former Mississippi State player who allegedly sought money from his alma mater to deliver Cam Newton’s services last year, said on a radio show Thursday that it was not him, but the quarterback’s father, Cecil, who put a price tag on his son during the recruiting process.

Rogers said Cecil told him it would take “anywhere from $100,000 to $180,000” to get the quarterback to sign with Mississippi State.

Rogers said he relayed the request to Bill Bell, a Mississippi State booster. Bell confirmed to ESPN.com Thursday night that Cecil Newton did ask for money. He said he spoke to an NCAA investigator about the matter earlier this week.

According to the NCAA, a violation is committed the moment an athlete or athlete’s family solicits extra benefits.

Newton ultimately signed with Auburn on Dec. 31 last year.

The school has maintained all week that its Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback remains eligible for Saturday’s game against Georgia. NCAA rules say a school must make a determination about whether a student-athlete is ineligible.

Rogers said he did not have any involvement with Auburn and said he had “no idea” if similar requests were made of the school or if anyone acted on them.

Auburn declined comment through spokesman Kirk Sampson. Cecil Newton could not be reached.

Coach Gene Chizik was not asked about the Newton situation during his weekly Tiger Talk radio program.

It’s the latest twist in the Newton saga, which began eight days ago when ESPN.com reported ex-Mississippi State quarterback John Bond said a former teammate claiming to represent the Newton family’s interests told him it would take $180,000 for the quarterback to sign with the Bulldogs. ESPN identified that person at Rogers.

Cecil denied any wrongdoing last week, saying if Rogers requested money, he did it on his own.

Rogers told a different tale Thursday, saying he didn’t ask for money. He said Cecil requested the payment and he relayed the request to Mississippi State boosters who would have it. Last week, on the same radio show, he said he had no idea how his name got involved in the accusations.

“I’m trying to clear the record with me,” he said Thursday with a lawyer by his side on ESPN 103.3 in Dallas.

The news comes on the heels of Wednesday’s ESPN.com report by Joe Schad that said Newton and his father spoke to “two sources who recruit for Mississippi State” about a play-for-play plan during separate phone calls last year.

According to the report, Cecil told one of the recruiters it would take “more than a scholarship” to bring his son to Mississippi State.

Another source said a recruiter claimed Newton told him he wanted to play for the Bulldogs but his father had chosen Auburn for him because “the money was too much.”

Mississippi State made the unusual move of releasing a statement Wednesday saying it contacted the SEC offices last January regarding an issue with Newton’s recruitment. Because of what it termed “ongoing and time-consuming eligibility issues involving non-football matters” throughout the winter and spring, the SEC did not interview MSU officials until July.

SEC spokesman Charles Bloom told the Associated Press that there was no mention of the phone conversations from Wednesday night’s ESPN.com article in either of the Mississippi State reports to the league.

The conference relayed the information it obtained to Auburn, which conducted its own investigation and determined no wrongdoing on its part. Unnamed sources in the school’s compliance department have said Auburn has not received an NCAA letter of inquiry.

Rogers works for Elite Football Preparation, a business that connects college athletes with schools. He has said he specializes with junior college transfers.

He said he didn’t meet Cam until the quarterback’s official visit to Mississippi State beginning Nov. 27 of last year, but he first spoke with Cecil after his son left Florida for Blinn College following the 2008 season.

Rogers said at some point Cecil told him Cam’s recruitment is “not going to be free this time,” later telling him the $100,000-$180,000 figure. Rogers said he didn’t know if Cam knew about the money request.

On the first night of Cam’s official visit to Starkville, Miss., Rogers said he, Cecil and two Mississippi State coaches met at the Hilton Garden Inn, the night before the Bulldogs played Ole Miss.

“I can’t really remember how Mr. Newton stated this, but however he said it, one of the coaches was like, ‘No, no, I don’t want to hear that,’ as if money was brought up or it was going to take money to get him,” said Rogers, who did not identify the coaches.

Rogers said he didn’t know if Mississippi State was prepared to pay.

On that Sunday, Rogers followed Cecil out of Starkville on Highway 82 to a Shell gas station. At that point, Rogers said Cecil asked him, “What are you thinking is going to happen? Is it going to go through?”

Rogers said he phoned Bell, a former teammate of his from the early 1980s who is currently president of Bel-Mac Roofing in Santa Rosa, Fla., and left a message asking if the deal was going to go through, meaning money from Mississippi State.

“Mr. Newton asked me. I told Bill. Bill supposedly told John (Bond),” Rogers said. “Somebody’s asking for that kind of money, I don’t have it. So I just called somebody who knew somebody who had it.”

Last week, Rogers said he didn’t know which former teammate relayed a monetary request to Bond, saying he “didn’t even want to go there.”

Bond, who last week on the radio said there were intermediaries between him and the former teammate soliciting money, told ESPN.com Thursday that he spoke with Rogers directly. He said he is scheduled to meet with the FBI on Tuesday and plans to turn over phone records.

“My story hasn’t changed,” he said. “I absolutely talked with Kenny Rogers, and there are phone records that will show that.”

Bond told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that Auburn has no involvement in the matter.

“This has nothing to do with Auburn,” he said. “Absolutely nothing to do with Auburn.”

Rogers’ attorney Doug Zeit said his client has been contacted by the NCAA but not the FBI.

“There are no circumstances and at no time was there any discussion regarding Kenny Rogers getting any money whatsoever,” Zeit said.

“And there was never a discussion between Kenny and anybody else that he was getting a piece of the action or a percentage or points or anything whatsoever regarding the money that Mr. Newton seemed to be requesting.”