My post title is a borrowed phrase from fellow celebrity blogger Fresh who oft questions the media and bloggers’ enthusiasm when one of our stars stumbles and falls before they can achieve greatness.
In this case, it’s Auburn quarterback Cameron “Cam” Newton who is from College Park, Georgia. He is being scrutinized by the media (and investigated by the NCAA) for walking around with fat pockets when he should be flat broke.
Doesn’t Cam know he’s supposed to be happy making minimum wage as a chalkboard washer as part of his school’s work-study program? These charges are so egregious (taking money to play while he’s in college) that even the FBI is investigating!
All of these accusations and investigations could jeopardize his eligibility as a player — and his claim for the Heisman trophy. Yes we’ve seen it all before. Just 2 months ago, former USC great Reggie Bush gave back his Heisman trophy after scandalous rumors surfaced that he lined his pockets with USC boosters’ cash.
While Reggie Bush’s fall from grace is still fresh in the sportswriters’ minds, they have turned their attentions to Cam Newton, 21, the leading candidate for the Heisman trophy.
How dare he violate the NCAA’s old, antiquated rules that prohibit accepting cash to play college ball, they ask.
Blame it all on FoxSports.com for initially reporting that Newton was accused of cheating on exams as well as being charged with three felony counts – one of which involved a stolen lap-top. [link].
Then there’s that mess about Cam’s father Cecil calling Mississippi State to inform them that it would take “more than a scholarship” for his son to play there. Cam later regretted his father’s decision to choose Auburn for him because “the money was better.”
Who’s to say that a former MSU player was being truthful when he said Cam was offered $180,000 in cash to play at Auburn? MSU’s head coach Dan Mullen hasn’t denied the allegations, but that could just be sour grapes because his star quarterback went elsewhere.
Cam Newton still has 3 games to play for Auburn (his team can clinch the SEC West by beating the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday).
The question is, will the Heisman voters allow the rampant rumors and speculation to interfere with their decision to vote for Newton? Especially since nothing has been proven by the FBI or the NCAA?
One thing we do know is that Reggie Bush has forever muddied up the playing field for any black college player to be considered for the Heisman trophy. The sad part is Reggie doesn’t even think he’s black.
