Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their run?

[JM1776]

While each person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, that of public opinion need not be so circumspect.

I'm having a great deal of trouble seeing Newton as someone who should be awarded college football's ultimate prizes ... and it's abundantly clear that Auburn without him is, at best, a Top 25 team, and more likely a 7-5 or even 6-6 squad.

Would a Newton Heisman and/or an Auburn national championship always have an asterisk next to it in your "personal continuity"?

If you are an Auburn alum or die-hard fan, please tell us whether any of this is bothering you, and why.

 

[BillJ]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Is he the best player in college football? Yes, without a doubt.

What Auburn's record without him is? Doesn't really matter. Would Florida be any better than mediocre in 2007, 2008 and 2009 without Tim Tebow?

Unless someone can pin the 'play-for-pay' on him, I don't see a problem with him playing and Auburn winning with him.

If I had a vote, I would vote for him to win the Heisman. There just isn't any player that has the impact that he does on his team.

Now would I pick him as an NFL GM? No way in hell. This guy has Akili Smith part two written all over him.

 

[Starbreaker]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Well, if no one can prove they're paying him, then I don't see a problem with it.

 

[JM1776]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Is he the best player in college football? Yes, without a doubt.

Hmm. "Best," 'most valuable to his team' or both? I've never equated the whole "man among boys" thing with "the best," but ... it's certainly a viable perspective.

What Auburn's record without him is? Doesn't really matter. Would Florida be any better than mediocre in 2007, 2008 and 2009 without Tim Tebow?

Of course, in 2006, they win a national championship with Chris Leak (who's disappeared into the CFL now) at starting quarterback and Tim Tebow providing the occasional jump pass and Wildcat spurt, so .... I think it's pretty obvious that Auburn's team-wide talent level, consistently over the last decade or so, isn't comparable with UF's outside Newton—whom I note is a UF castoff.

Of course, this makes Newton's case for winning the Heisman even stronger.

Unless someone can pin the 'play-for-pay' on him, I don't see a problem with him playing and Auburn winning with him.

If I had a vote, I would vote for him to win the Heisman. There just isn't any player that has the impact that he does on his team.

I have to agree. It's practically self-evident.

Now would I pick him as an NFL GM? No way in hell. This guy has Akili Smith part two written all over him.

And Andre Ware ... and Jarmarcus Russell ... and Pat White ... and ...

Good observation.

 

[Starbreaker]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Cam Newton would probably get drafted. Maybe the Broncos can get another QB that they don't even bother to use.

 

[BillJ]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Cam Newton would probably get drafted. Maybe the Broncos can get another QB that they don't even bother to use.

Somebody will draft him... and draft him high.

Invariably, you will have a coach or GM trying to hang onto their job and they will make the mistake. I'm looking at either the Panthers' Marty Hurney or the Vikings' Rick Spielman.

Or possibly Arizona if their slide continues.

 

[JM1776]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Or possibly Arizona if their slide continues.

Oh, now there's something to which I may now look forward.

Thanks, BillJ.

 

[BillJ]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Or possibly Arizona if their slide continues.

Oh, now there's something to which I may now look forward.

Thanks, BillJ.

I'm a Dolphins fan. We're just going to be a little too low in the first round (16-20) to make the mistake. Or else I'd be worried after the way Chad Henne has played this year.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Why do you give a shit? I don't understand this whole controversy. College football, especially at the highest level, is clearly de facto pro sports already, so why don't the guys who risk their health on the field deserve some payment for that?

 

[JM1776]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

Why do you give a shit?

Why do you give a shit that I give a shit?

I don't understand this whole controversy.

You most certainly do. You just don't think there should be a controversy.

College football, especially at the highest level, is clearly de facto pro sports already, so why don't the guys who risk their health on the field deserve some payment for that?

They are paid. It's called a scholarship, and they agree above board when attending that college or university that such is their compensation. Whether or not that constitutes adequate compensation is another matter entirely. In this case, it's not predominantly a matter of what they "deserve." I've not said or implied that the rules shouldn't be altered. But those are the rules right now, and that's why this has become a huge issue.

 

[BillJ]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

I've not said or implied that the rules shouldn't be altered. But those are the rules right now, and that's why this has become a huge issue.

The rules shouldn't be changed as far as I'm concerned. A scholarship represents an opportunity for a young man to secure his future. Whether it be in the sports world or other opportunities.

The problem is that so much money is now involved in college basketball and college football that the NCAA looks the other way as much as possible (gotta keep the TV money flowing). Then when a violation arises they drag their feet to make sure the on-the-field product isn't affected.

By the time they catch a violation both the player and coach involved are long gone and the institution is given a slap on the wrist. Honestly, how hard is it to figure out something is going on (improper benefits)when a scholarship kid from a poor neighborhood is driving around in a BMW?

They need to start suspending programs that cheat, pure and simple. A message needs to be sent that violating the rules will mean the harshest penalties possible regardless of what institution you are. They also need to start including standard language into the coach/player agreements that spell out harsh penalties for everyone involved. Too many coaches and players cheat with no consequence to their actions.

 

[BillJ]

Re: Cam Newton/Auburn: How legitimate is his Heisman candidacy/their r

From the Front Office Football board:

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=2391407&postcount=132

"Greenbacks for Cam"
By Dr. Sax

I am Cam!
Cam I am!
Cam don’t have no greenbacks. Damn!

Did you take them, Cam-I-am?
Did you take
Greenbacks for Cam?

I did not take them!
Cam-I-am!
I did not take
Greenbacks for Cam.

Did you take them
Here or there?

I would not take them
here or there.
I would not take them
anywhere.
I did not take
Greenbacks for Cam.
I did not take them.
Cam-I-am!

Did you take them
On the Plain?
Did you take them
From Jimmy Rane?

I did not take them
On the Plain.
I did not take them
From Jimmy Rane.
I did not take
Greenbacks for Cam.
I did not take them!
Cam-I-am!

Did you take from
Lowder? Dye?
Or any Auburn alumni?

Not from Lowder.
Not from Dye.
Not from Auburn alumni.
Not from Rane
Or on the Plain.
No dough did Cam-I-am obtain!

I did not take them.
Cam-I-am!
I did not take those greenbacks.
Damn!

You did not take them.
So you say.
But Cecil.
Did he make them pay?

Cecil? Yes! It’s like you say!
Reverend Cecil made them pay!
Reverend Cecil ran the scam.
He passed the plate for Cam-I-am.

He took from Lowder.
And from Dye.
From several Auburn alumni.
He took from Rane
Out on the Plain.
Two hundred thou! Let’s have champagne!

Cecil ran the pay-for-play.
And Cam knew nothing. Zip. No way.
He’s cool with NC double-AA.

I am Cam. Cam I am!
Bring my Heisman.
What a sham.