Since his Colonial bank empire imploded, Lowder’s power on the Auburn Board of Trustees has reportedly diminished, but as overseer of the school’s athletic and overall budget, he obviously still wields considerable influence.

Influence that undoubtedly includes same manner of oversight of Tigers Unlimited, which as a private entity, can keep its financial records secret.

The same Tigers Unlimited that has reportedly paid the lobbying firm of Auburn alumnus Robert Geddie "almost a million dollars thus far."

The same Tigers Unlimited-funded Geddie who was arrested by the FBI last month following an investigation - that included wiretaps - of his recent dealings with Auburn mega-booster Milton McGregor.

What was current Auburn Athletic Jay Jacobs doing before he took his present job?

From the Auburn athletics official site:

Jacobs gained strong business expertise as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Tigers Unlimited prior to his appointment as Director of Athletics.

From ESPN.com in 2006:

Jay Jacobs, the new AD who previously headed Tigers Unlimited, said of his dealings with Lowder: "I don’t have any whatsoever."