Will ‘Cam Newton Drive’ be intercepted?
Cam Newton might have more success getting a street named after him in Auburn. (AP photo)
While it might not be as bad as, say, Nick Fairley Boulevard, the proposal doesn’t sit well with some of the residents of the road. As critics have pointed out, even though Newton played high school ball at nearby Westlake High, he played college ball at Auburn and now plays for the Carolina Panthers, a division rival of the Falcons.
According to a story last week by the AJC’s Johnny Edwards:
Several longtime residents of south Fulton’s Scarborough Road are irked that the county wants to change their street name in honor of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who has family living there. At a public hearing last week, neighbors said it would cost them money to change their personal records, and that Newton, age 23, is too young to have a thoroughfare named for him. One woman invoked Newton’s theft arrest [when he was at Florida] and allegations that his father solicited money from a university recruiting his son.
South Fulton Commissioner Bill Edwards said personal attacks on Newton’s family aren’t warranted, that he’s a Westlake High alumnus who “beat the odds,” and if residents don’t want Cam Newton Drive, the name will stay the same.
The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at the South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road.
What’s your view: Change the street to Cam Newton Drive or retain Mr. Scarborough’s name?
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186 comments Add your comment
Emma
July 24th, 2012
10:46 am
He is way too young to have a street named after him. When he wins several Super Bowl titles, MVP awards and so on then maybe it is a consideration. I agree with the folks that live there since his past is so sketchy.
Left Coast Dawg
July 24th, 2012
10:48 am
I dare to say it
Left Coast Dawg
July 24th, 2012
10:50 am
How many other kids have overcome the odds before Cam came along, is the question I ask. We don’t see street names popping up for them.
Mike
July 24th, 2012
10:53 am
Don’t forget he was about to be expelled from FLorida for cheating before he was arrested for theft. Great guy to name street after. He sure did beat odds despite his lack or morals and character. Someone will be aski to name road after Nike Vick pretty soon because he best the odds too. Lol
Bernie Matt
July 24th, 2012
10:58 am
“King” William Bill Edwards office is for sale. I live on Will Lee Road in South Fulton, right by Welcome All Park and have been trying to contact the commissioners office for over a month now because of concerns in the community. He has ignored my request for 15 minutes of time to talk to him about these issues. I wonder how much time the Newton’s have gotten in this misguided effort.
Earl
July 24th, 2012
10:59 am
The smart thing would be to make sure he doesn’t turn into another Michael Vick. But who said a politician would consider doing the right thing. Two most likely people to tell you a lie is a lawyer and politician. And, many politicans are both.
Maybe this will give others a reason to cheat or whatever is necessary to get ahead.
Great Job Atlanta!!
CaribouRancher
July 24th, 2012
11:05 am
So glad I don’t live there. _
Bernie Matt
July 24th, 2012
11:07 am
Earl, you should get more informed, I know your kind likes to pile on Atlanta, but this is not Atlanta. It is South Fulton. But our politicians are much like those in Atlanta and I’m sure like those in your area. After all, who do you think our representatives learned it from!
Really?
July 24th, 2012
11:08 am
He didn’t beat the odds….he beat the system…..
BC
July 24th, 2012
11:15 am
We see good pro athletes being arrested all the time. Being a good athlete dose not mean that you are going to turn out to be a good or bad person. Time will tell. Let’s not rush into this action.
rst
July 24th, 2012
11:20 am
How many other Heisman Trophy winners came from south Fulton county and Westlake High? That alone should get you a street name.
SouthFultonNow
July 24th, 2012
11:22 am
I agree Heisman trophy winners, the leading QB of a National Championship winning team and 1st overall draft pick are reasons to get something named for you back in your home town. But I don’t feel right now is the time rename the street after him. Let Cam Newton finish his career, become great in the NFL and we can determine from there. Maybe at that point, we can rename South Fulton Parkway after him, there aren’t any houses on the road, a few business. I think that’ll be perfect for him. And Scarborough Drive is just a road that dead ends into a dirt patch.
Go Jackets
July 24th, 2012
11:24 am
Streets and buildings should not be named for anyone until they are dead.
Pimp C
July 24th, 2012
11:25 am
WOW, This is the right thing to do……..
JayD
July 24th, 2012
11:28 am
It’s a street people…. Get over it!!!! Black people in this country – especially here in the south, live on streets named for people who hated us, tried to kill and enslave us, persecute us in any number of ways… and we just have to live with it. Counties, and cities named after racists! We have to drive by a natural wonder with racists carved in the side! And you can’t live with a freeking street named a local boy who has done well?????? If I were Cam, I would want my street in a better place anyway!
Loran, Whatayagot?
July 24th, 2012
11:29 am
Naming streets for people is an honor, and shows that they are revered and looked up to. Cam Newton may fit that mold eventually, but he is certainly not worthy at this time and still has a lot to atone for. I wish him the best, but revisit this issue in 30 years and see what his life has become.
Equalizer
July 24th, 2012
11:31 am
It amazes how many comments can be made about this man’s very limited past being a reason to stop a street from being named after him. Yet we have dozens of streets and buildings named after terrorist and racist like Jefferson Davis. Go Figure. I love Georgia, no one does discrimination so good!
alex
July 24th, 2012
11:32 am
JayD, same old atlanta racist garbage , same old stuff….I grew up down in that area and glad I don’t live there anymore have my children go to school there…
Bernie Matt
July 24th, 2012
11:34 am
@ Jay D – a lot of the streets were paved by racist also. Are you going to stop driving on them. make a real point! The issue here is this politician should find a better way to use his time to better our community. Not waste time on this premature, misguided effort and waste of tax payor resources because he is buds with Cam’s dad and they have money to influence him.
JD
July 24th, 2012
11:36 am
If he continues on his path to a great career then I’m all for it. Yes, he won the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship but should we forget that he also got into trouble at Florida not that long ago which brought about the decision to transfer from there in the first place. Society does forgive and I do as well, but this isn’t the time yet. Besides, he is a athlete. How many of us will put up the same fight for a teacher, educator, or community leader that has made a far greater imprint on so many families lives now and throughout their career? You all tell m. Is Cam Newton and football or any sport more important? I guess I have made my point. We wouldn’t be talking about this if money wasn’t a factor or the factor. Priorities of society are all misplaced.
ATLWarEagle
July 24th, 2012
11:36 am
I love Cam Newton, his athletic talent, and his drive to win, but I agree that he is still a very young player in the NFL. Many players can have great single seasons. While he was NFL rookie of the year, following a National Championship season at Auburn, his career is in its infancy. It’s premature to name a street after him right now. These kinds of accolades are merited when athletes show time and time again that they are great players, like Peyton Manning or Chipper Jones, and over the course of a long career. When he has played in the NFL for a decade or more, had much success, and shown that he is a classy player and citizen, only then should he be considered for a street named after him. And in Auburn, AL, not Atlanta. WDE
Good Point
July 24th, 2012
11:37 am
Good point, SFN. Hopefully picking a dead end to name after him isn’t foreshadowing. Despite the theft, cheating, recruitment issues.. lol Better than a Vick Way!
Bernie Matt
July 24th, 2012
11:39 am
If you don’t live in South Fulton and only want to talk about how terrible the black community is, or if you are a South Fulton resident, but don’t have the ability to reason and hold elected officials accountable to actually do something productive, your 2 diverging prospectives are not warranted here. I know I probably lost both groups! Idiots!
Captain Midnight
July 24th, 2012
11:40 am
Where in Atlanta is Jefferson Davis Street?
A building named after Robert E. Lee?
Cynthia Mckinney Drive? How’d that work out for ya?
Billy J.E.W.S McKinney Parkway on I20?
JayD
July 24th, 2012
11:44 am
Bernie Matt – My real point is that you need to look in the mirror and figure out what your REAL problem is.
K-Ster
July 24th, 2012
11:44 am
Why is Fulton/Atlanta governments so stuck on renaming streets after people? There’s Joe Bob Smith blvd, Will E Coyote Avenue, Mike N Ike Road, etc. What happened to good ‘ole “Pine Street” or “Maple Avenue” simplistic names? Having a road named after you only lends to traffic congestion recognition. W-O-W. What an honor!
SAWB
July 24th, 2012
11:47 am
So, Fulton County wants to name a road after a Thug – sounds about right.
Bernie Matt
July 24th, 2012
11:49 am
@JayD – i don’t have a problem, I deal in rational logic and know how and what it takes to hold elected officials accountable. When you grow up a little or become more informed, you might learn these things also.
GA Girl
July 24th, 2012
11:50 am
Why don’t they name is Peachtree Street?
Well Said
July 24th, 2012
11:50 am
Well said JayD. Let some other place name a road after Cam and leave the street names here in Atlanta, South Fulton or wherever, alone. He does not deserve a road named after him just yet. Wait like most of the rest, until his breath pauses and then decide if you want to name a road after him. If so, then let the Family raise the money to cover the cost associated with changing the name of the road as well as covering the cost the residents would have to pay to have their street name changed on all their information.
dean
July 24th, 2012
11:54 am
Enter your comments here
dean
July 24th, 2012
11:55 am
I thought better of the comment I was going to enter.
Wondering
July 24th, 2012
11:56 am
It’s a bad idea to idolize a living person. Just ask Penn State.
the prof
July 24th, 2012
11:56 am
I will be happy to spit on it and litter it when I visit.
Pay to play
July 24th, 2012
11:58 am
Why don’t you ask Cam if he’ll PAY $180,000 to help improve the road and see how far you get.
That’s the amount of money he got from his college (education?).
PTP
Whatever
July 24th, 2012
12:04 pm
I don’t think laptop stealing THUGS deserve streets named after them. He’s a THUGGER.
KLP
July 24th, 2012
12:05 pm
How about renaming portion of North Avenue or Spring Street by the Varsity Irby Walker Blvd. Maybe later for Cam but not now. I need to get past the blatant disrespect he and his father had toward the NCAA and Auburn after Auburn banned him (Cecil) from the bowl game and he showed up anyway and Cam brought attention to his father being there by going straight to him after the win. Wondering, I agree.
Smarty
July 24th, 2012
12:09 pm
You gotta be kidding me! He won a ring for college for a out of state school and want to waste Georgia taxpayers monies on a guy that plays in Charlotte, NC. How dumb!
Common Sense
July 24th, 2012
12:11 pm
SO MANY REASON NOT TO DO THIS:
1. The scandal, the lies…
2. His glory came at Auburn, Alabama against Georgia.
3. Did we not learn anything from Joe Paterno?
4. In such hard times, do we really need to waste government money to pay for a special sign to be made and to pay workers to install it?
5. He plays for a rival of the Atlanta Falcons.
6. His run-ins with the law at the University of Florida
7. He is a football player! He has never saved a life or done anything other than play a game for money.
Need I go on?
Does anyone know how to impeach a County Commissioner?
ELH
July 24th, 2012
12:13 pm
Newton is a good QB , however he has to many character issue to have street name after him ,he needs to do something positive for the residents of Fulton co, lets not cater to that heading getting any bigger.
alex
July 24th, 2012
12:15 pm
Agree with JD, mabye Penn St. will teach us (or remind) us that idiolization can be dangerous. Goodness, I hope our politicians would have something better to do than to pander to the low-lifes of a community…..
Suq Madiq
July 24th, 2012
12:25 pm
He needs to do some good for the community he stole from.
ASHCAN!!!
July 24th, 2012
12:25 pm
And how would a street named after a person effect you???? (Bloggers).
ASHCAN!!!
July 24th, 2012
12:30 pm
Awww look at all the sad excuses….
So i guess if the street name get accepted, you won’t drive down that street. Awww how petty.
Jeff
July 24th, 2012
12:32 pm
I mimic the comments from ELH; no way, I love Cam as a football player, I followed him at Westlake UF, Blinn JC, Auburn and the Carolina Panthers.
Sonny Jackson
July 24th, 2012
12:33 pm
Name it after a teacher or member of the armed services if you have to change it… I don’t think there’s enough in the budget anyway. Why spend the money?
really?
July 24th, 2012
12:34 pm
Remind me which in state team did he play for? Why not name a street Benedict Arnold Blvd?
ParanoidAndroid
July 24th, 2012
12:39 pm
Everyone read Common Sense’s comment above.
The kid has done NOTHING!! He got by on physical ability alone. Not humble, not smart. What has he contributed to South Fulton? There are people out there EVERYDAY that are doing more to help the community than scam newton.
Oh yeah, btw, he plays for the Panties.
BGreen
July 24th, 2012
12:40 pm
Let’s see…there are only 77 Heisman Trophy winners and Cam Newton is one of them. This list includes names such as Doak Walker, Roger Staubach, Archie Griffin, Tony Dorsett, Earl Campbell, Marcus Allen, Hershel Walker, and Bo Jackson. Our hometown guy is a Heisman Trophy winner. There is the justification.
Any expenses anyone incurs should be sent to Bill Edwards’ office and Cam Newton should foot the bill.
Anyone else need help with anything else?
AU
July 24th, 2012
12:41 pm
[Auburn] was NOT the school that Cecil solicited money from. Mississippi State had a booster and a former player that were in contact with Cecil Newton, and that is the school that attempted to buy his services. Tennessee and Texas, who were also interested in Cam at the time, did not have any contact with Cecil regarding pay-for-play either. Face it – for Miss State to get a player of Cam’s potential, they would have HAD to have paid him to come there.
Rick James
July 24th, 2012
12:42 pm
I’m sure that photo ops with Newton’s family and campain contributions from them are Bill Edwards’ real motives for this proposal.He’s too smart of a man to honestly belive that at 23 Cam derserves such an honor.Eric Berry has done far more for South Fulton than Cam but I guess he’s not as popular..This is the same Bill Edwards who’s telling south fulton voters not to vote for TSLOST because there is nothing in it for south fulton.I guess the 30,000 jobs that will be created arent worth mentioning and people on the southside dont travel through out metro Atlanta.Self serving politians will lead to the death of us all.
Jeff
July 24th, 2012
12:43 pm
No ASHCAN!!! We love the Cameron Jerrell Newton, just not enought to have a street name after him,however If that street will attract tourism to the southside,I understand.
There are intellegent reasons for this topic so I will enbrace the name change if it occurs, only the Commissioners know.
Haters gonna hate
July 24th, 2012
12:43 pm
I think there should be a Hershel drive more importantly. That 1980 has been so long we need some reminders of it through street signs.
Auburn does not need reminders of Cam and 2010 since it happens so recently. heck 2004 is still fresh in their minds…even 1983. 1980 is a distant memory as most UGA fans were not even born then.
BGreen
July 24th, 2012
12:44 pm
By the way, I have a son at Westlake High School and anyone who doesn’t think that both Commissioner Edwards and Cam Newton have given to our community is misinformed.
Haters gonna hate
July 24th, 2012
12:45 pm
If Auburn put a street sign up for every great player or great season there would be more AU related signs then MLK or peathtree.
Jeff
July 24th, 2012
12:51 pm
I stand corrected, its only Scarborough Road in South Fulton County , well deserved, folks its not in Atlanta.
It’s in College Park,
K Conway
July 24th, 2012
12:55 pm
Is it crime infested like MLKJR ? Must be a lot of breakins tooo!
Jeff
July 24th, 2012
12:57 pm
He is the most famous person from College Park, with the exception of Creflo Dollar.
Jeff
July 24th, 2012
1:00 pm
Scarborough Road is located in a nice middle class area, not crime infested.
SCAM
July 24th, 2012
1:02 pm
BARF!
Really?
July 24th, 2012
1:03 pm
@ Haters gonna hate : in response to : “If Auburn put a street sign up for every great player or great season there would be more AU related signs then MLK or peathtree.”
I think you might confusing Auburn with other school in that state…Alabama.
Van Plexico
July 24th, 2012
1:04 pm
There were never any “allegations that his father solicited money from a university [Auburn] recruiting his son.” That is not correct. There were allegations that his father solicited money from Mississippi State. Please get your facts straight.
Skitty Fritty
July 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
I would stay away from this one if I was Fulton County.
GMSTOCKOWNER
July 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
Please inform the lady referring to Cam’s father soliciting money during the recruiting process that Mississippi State was solicited, not Auburn.
I agree they should wait a few years for the street naming
Rich
July 24th, 2012
1:09 pm
Is this freaking serious? This kid is a HUGE egomaniac already. By the way, what has he done for the state of Georgia besides play football? This is a huge indictment on americas love affair with sports figures. Let the truth be told this is a JOKE! All of you that support this are crazy. I for one think that my tax dollars which are very high should be used to do something a little more worth while like feeding some hungry families in this City. Jesus people please wake up to this stupidity that we are paying for. Let Cam Newton build his own road and name it.
Reality Check
July 24th, 2012
1:10 pm
Cam Newton was paid to play college ball in another state. I say no way and will vote AGAINST any commissioner approving this travesty. I also don’t want streets named for people who steal lap top computers and plagiarized college term papers.
Details
July 24th, 2012
1:11 pm
It’s a small detail, but Daddy Newton solicited money from Mississippi State, not Auburn.
rodb
July 24th, 2012
1:11 pm
as a former lakeshore h.s. student(now westlake) and long time southsider i feel i have the right to say wtf! Are you kidding!!!! no. this shouldn’t even be up for debate or question! leave the street name alone.
Honest Truth
July 24th, 2012
1:15 pm
Do you have to donate $200,000 to Cam’s dad’s church to use the road?
Capt Jack
July 24th, 2012
1:16 pm
I can’t imagine the embaressment of having to change my address to $cam Newton Drive. It takes on avg about 50K for a business to update all of its records, marketing and vendor files when this happpens, not sure what the cost is to the avg home owner. Seems that ol’ dad solicited more than enough to cover everyone’s expenses related to this name change if they feel that strongly about it. This self-agrandizing, pointless pandering by the commissoners is indicative of how low they will go.
tim
July 24th, 2012
1:16 pm
Comm Bill Edwards is an idiot.
Spend your time on something constructive instead of naming a street after someone with a rap sheet.
MORON!
Holy Guacamole
July 24th, 2012
1:16 pm
Oh yeah. Let’s name a street after a 23 yr old kid who got kicked out of college and off of a football team for stealing a laptop, who shopped his services to the highest bidder and is now rewarded with a bazillion dollars in the NFL.
Oh, yeah. That’s the right thing to do
Incredible
July 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
There are so many “real” issues affecting South Fulton county Bill Edwards should focus on instead of renaming a street. Is he going to pay the increase in property taxes for South Fulton residents he voted for? I do not think so. We continue to vote folk like him in office, who have personal agendas that do not benefit anyone. Incredible! Incredible! Incredible! If going to the NFL is “beating the odds” we need a new measuring stick for success. Sadly, folk will vote Bill n office again.
Lynn43
July 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
Quit naming things for people. None of them deserve to have their name remembered after they are dead and gone.
Abernathy
July 24th, 2012
1:20 pm
Name it Cam Newton-Jessie Jackson-MLK Avenue of Cheaters and Adulters. That would justify Cams name on the street since he would have committed the lesser of the two evils.
Holy Guacamole
July 24th, 2012
1:21 pm
@BGreen
I agree that both Bill Edwards and Scam Newton have both given to your community. I might just not agree that what they have given is good.
DC
July 24th, 2012
1:21 pm
He didn’t steal the laptop…he paid for it from someone and then found out that it was stolen..he freaked and threw the laptop out the window (he was a freshmen in college)..the cops dropped the charges.
WHO DIDN’T CHEAT IN SCHOOL EVER????? PS asking for answers on homework is cheating…
Cam’s character shouldn’t be compared to his father’s…his father is a horrible man..from every account from EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER MET CAM..has stated that he is a great guy!..and needs to lay off the candy b/c he is way too hyper..
How much will it cost the people on that road to deal with the road change? if its like 20 bucks im gonna die laughing..
ronald
July 24th, 2012
1:22 pm
If the road is one that leads to a city jailhouse, then yes, renaming if after Newton is appropriate.
ronald
July 24th, 2012
1:23 pm
i’ve heard the cost for renaming the street will be $175,000.
oneofeach4me
July 24th, 2012
1:25 pm
The racial bias here is SO obvious… and also SO annoying! Also, it was his father that the controversy surrounded. You cannot hold a kid responsible for their parent, it’s supposed to be the other way around. So to say he beat the system or is guilty of something is irrelevant. No one really KNOWS if he knew what his father was doing or not.
Let’s talk about what we do know. Cam Newton is from GA, attended high school and played at Westlake, is a Heisman winner, won a title at Auburn, and plays for the Panthers. He was also Rookie of the year and broke Peyton Manning’s rookie record in his 1st season opener, not to mention is one of only 3 players to draft 1st, win the Heisman and a national title all in the same year.
I agree with some other posters that it doesn’t have to happen now… but it should be inevitable. You cannot deny the fact that this kid has already accomplished great things, and we should be proud that he is from Atlanta, and that he STILL claims it (after the way some of you are acting).
As for the “he didn’t play college here, and he plays for one of our rivals”. True. But how is that his fault? GA wasn’t looking for a QB at that time and it was fate that Carolina had the worst record in the league and therefore had the first draft pick and what did they need??? Oh yeah, a quarterback. I am a Falcons fan first and foremost, but this kid deserves WAY more respect from his fellow Atlantans than what some of you are dishing out here!!
DC
July 24th, 2012
1:25 pm
ronald that joke was already used….try again.
Abernathy
July 24th, 2012
1:31 pm
Enter your comments here
CM
July 24th, 2012
1:36 pm
The residents of south Fulton County should elect a new commissioner who will help to bring productive economic growth, social change and vitality to their district instead of the current one who lacks ideas. Cameron Newton has not done anything of community value presently to merit such an honor. He is not the only one in the district who has overcome very adverse situations. Keep the name as it is.
Gary
July 24th, 2012
1:37 pm
Normally honors like having a street named after you is in recognition of a lifetime of service and achievement. I hardly think a few years playing college and pro football qualifies. What if next year there is a scandal like Michael Vick or even Joe Paterno comes to mind. Do you take back the street and have all those change of addresses again? Give the kid a chance to prove he is worthy before bestowing such an honor and inconveniencing so many people.
tman
July 24th, 2012
1:42 pm
Bring this subject up again 15 years from now. Too early to even be thinking of naming a street after him. We glorify these athletes way to much. No wonder the only options so many of our kids see in making it is in the form of entertainment.
William
July 24th, 2012
1:44 pm
Cecil Newton admitted to soliciting money from Mississippi State and Auburn got his son Cam for nothing? Never in a million years would I believe that. If he was on sale to MS then he was on sale for everyone.
Percy
July 24th, 2012
1:50 pm
Wouldn’t that make us look good. Name a street for someone that cheated to get where he’s at. Definitely who I would want my street named for>>>>
the old coach
July 24th, 2012
1:50 pm
If it is an all Black neighbor – (hood) do it because soon you will hear from Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton and you will have to get an attorney to fight it. Who is to say this guy still will not turn out to be a bum. After all the removed a statue of one of one of the most respected coaches of all time. One day when he proves his worth to society do it.
Jean
July 24th, 2012
1:50 pm
Maybe a good idea later on down the line. Right now as someone previous stated he beat the system not the odds, true statement. The guy is a talentive football player but like everything else lets see his overall contributions and time will tell that, the guy has not played long enough. What civics or neighborhood pay backs has he given.
Black and White
July 24th, 2012
1:54 pm
I laugh at all these comments because all they do is bring out the racism that exists in all of you all. If you like these racist comments, go over to the Chic-Fil-A marriage article. A bunch of racists there. So everyone who comments here are HYPOCRITES full of hate. And you wonder why you are going through things in your lives. Shame on you AJC for having an arena for Racists to convene. I bet you all are Glad Monica is retiring…!!! Cam is no less than that punk that plays for the Jets now who is always praying. He has skeletons in his closet too. Let’s name a road in Buckhead after him. Let’s see the opposition then.
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not telling
July 24th, 2012
2:07 pm
This hits a little too close to home. If they do rename it, I’ll take down every street sign and put up one of those novelty Falcons one in its place.
Lance
July 24th, 2012
2:11 pm
Beat the odds? Wow!!
They should simply name the street: $$$MAKE ME AN OFFER$$$
It’s clear the only reason to name a street after Newton is to try and get something $$$ from him in the future.
wolfman
July 24th, 2012
2:12 pm
How much does he want to get paid for that???
Holy Guacamole
July 24th, 2012
2:14 pm
What? Everytime someone who is black doesn’t get their way, the first card that is played is the race card. Talk about racist.
Cam Newton played for Auburn, won the national title there, got the Heisman there (and God only knows what else)….let them name a street after him. He hasn’t done anything for Atlanta or Fulton County.
Lonely Street
July 24th, 2012
2:18 pm
He hasn’t done “great things”. He figured out how to play with a ball. Any dog or 3 year old can do that. Great things involve much, much more.
Wow
July 24th, 2012
2:23 pm
Wow! Classy bunch of folks that responded to this article. Jealous of a kid who made good.
bam bam
July 24th, 2012
2:24 pm
WOW! i find amazing that people can be so defiant over something that doesnt affect them at all….you people are a bunch of sick haters.
A fan
July 24th, 2012
2:27 pm
Why not name a strret after a Police officer who lost there life protecting the citizens of that area?
Scam Newton
July 24th, 2012
2:30 pm
Scam Newton has proven himself to be selfish and nothing more. He stole while at UF, and his father got paid (let’s be real— he got paid too) for him to play football elsewhere. He recently held an autograph session that was supposed to last 2 and 1/2 hours. He charged $150 for autographs. The session ended after an hour. That’s what happens when you are selfish!! Why does an NFL player that also gets endorsements need to charge for his autograph?? You can take a thug out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the thug. Don’t put the thug back there by naming a street after him.
Scam Newton
July 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
I should add… the session ended after an hour because nobody else wanted to pay $150 for the hoodrat’s autograph.
madrussian
July 24th, 2012
2:37 pm
Here’s an idea, how about named the street after somebody who has actually contributed to something in society. Maybe a firefighter that gave his/her life to save someone or a teacher that dedicated their life to helping young people. Wait, I’m thinking logically. An athlete is what we should choose because he’s done so much already. When he wins four Superbowls and couple of MVPs bring this back to the table. Until then, he’s just another player trying to make it in the pros. Nice priorities for those that think this is a good idea.
mike
July 24th, 2012
2:38 pm
wow…”you people” are still bringing up mike Vick’s name!!?? Geez you people are d-bags. Im willing to bet each and every one of you has a family member that has had legal trouble. Go and talk about them! They probably care at least…..
I don’t think Vick will lose any sleep while you losers rehash something from 5 years ago. GROW UP!
Jay
July 24th, 2012
2:38 pm
Hey Jeff….the most famous person from College Park…don’t think so…take a look at this list:
Morgan Burnett, safety for the Green Bay Packers
Tameka Cottle, member of singing quartet Xscape and wife of rapper T.I
Bill Curry, football coach and analyst, currently head coach for Georgia State University
Creflo Dollar, teacher, pastor, and founder of World Changers Church International
Keyaron Fox, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ludacris, rapper
Yung Joc, rapper
Monica, R&B singer
Mr. Collipark, record producer
Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, 2010 Heisman Trophy winner[21]
Greg Patton, quarterback at Dartmouth College, broke the single-game rushing record in his first varsity appearance[22][23]
Playaz Circle, rap group
Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks basketball player
Fletcher Thompson, politician
2 Chainz , rap artist
DAWG
July 24th, 2012
2:39 pm
Let me get this straight, he is not a hero of any war in which I served during Vietnam and apparently has a lapse of memory concerning money. The people of Fulton County need their heads taken out and tested. I am glad I am my sixties and old school and realize when it is appropriate to name a street in the honor of a real hero. The world we live in is going to hell in a hand basket.
Joe Jackson
July 24th, 2012
2:42 pm
He has cheated and he has stolen. Not to different than a lot of the politicians that live in the jurisdiction so I guess they relate to Cam well. It is bad enough to drive on 285 and see part of it named for Billy McKinney who was a racist and bigot and responsible for Cynthia McKinney for even being on this planet. Don’t name anything after anybody until they are dead. At least then you know nothing is going to come back and bite you. Example; Joe Paterno
Drew Brees
July 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
It was never proven that Cam’s father solicited money from ANY SCHOOL, unless you consider the words two recruiters that didn’t get their bonus for recruiting cam as 100% honest!
mike
July 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
I bet if Cam were Blanco…would we be comparing him to Ben Rothlisberger? Probably not, all of you are perfect….
quanxavier
July 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
No offense to Cam Newton. How about we work on putting traffic lights on the dangerous intersections in South Fulton or better still working on bringing viable businesses there. It seems to me that Le Garden subdivision was a complete failure.
mike
July 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
I see all the haters are out as usual. So far they have brought up Mike Vick. Pastor Cecil and have called the man a thug. I like the post about blacks having to live on streets and in areas named after those good ole racists of the pasts. I never thought of it like that. I wonder how many haters live in that South Fulton area. Hey if they can elect a crook for a governor I have no problem with naming a street after Cam. They named a street and a city park after the gran wizard of the Stone Mountain KKK.
krasheed
July 24th, 2012
3:01 pm
Just because he can throw a football well does not earn him the privilege of a street name. There are many people from that SW community who have done well for themselves and their community. What about the doctors, contractors, lawyers, businesspeople, teachers, police officers and etc. who have raised families and stayed away from trouble. This young man may grow into a valuable member of our society, but not yet. Our politicians need to recognize that being able to throw a football well does not merit the privilege of a street.
RC
July 24th, 2012
3:02 pm
GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!
Tag
July 24th, 2012
3:08 pm
Idolizing athletes at his age is insane!!!!!!!!
catfish252
July 24th, 2012
3:12 pm
Come back in 20-25 years after he has truly made his mark by contributing something to that area of Atlanta (supporting youth groups, funding scholarships,etc.). Playing H.S. football doesn’t qualify for the honor of having a road or park or any other piece of real estate named after you. Besides that his head is already too swollen, he could use a little humility.
Courtney
July 24th, 2012
3:20 pm
Name it after Cam Newton? So it would be SCUMBAG Drive?
TCC91
July 24th, 2012
3:31 pm
Charlie Ward has a street named after him in Thomasville. It was welcome with open arms.
JB
July 24th, 2012
3:34 pm
@JayD – No, you do not “have to drive by natural wonders with racists carved on the side.”
You can simply move to another state, or even to SW Atlanta- where you can drive on beautiful MLK Blvd all around Spelman and Morehouse and other black historical places.
Lindsey
July 24th, 2012
3:36 pm
What a great idea, name a GA street after a Florida Gator-Auburn Tiger-Carolina Panther player. What a great example of honesty and character Cam is. Maybe the adjacent street could be called Mike Vick Road. Wonder if any pet owners would live on the street? Can’t believe there is even a hearing on this.
Falcons Fan
July 24th, 2012
3:36 pm
This is so stupid, who comes up with this crap? “Common sense” has some great points. Even though I hate Georgia…but I’ll let that one slide.
Samantha
July 24th, 2012
3:44 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That would be a slap in the face to Matt Ryan and all of the Failcant’s fans to name a street AFTER the Carolina Panthers Quarterback that has a huge ego! Too funny!
too tough 44
July 24th, 2012
3:47 pm
Yall face it….c newton there is corruption smell to him, his theft, his dad ha ( cam knew what was going on ..come on folks..wake up, I mean, come on man!). I would vote NO…
Mike
July 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
I’m not for naming streets after people but, if you are, I think it should be for someone who made the world or community a better place, someone who put others before him or herself and never sought attention or recognition for it. Does Newton meet that criteria?
ofcthrash
July 24th, 2012
4:02 pm
I think it’s a great idea! It would fit South Fulton perfectly…….name a street after a guy who was caught cheating in college several times, caught with a stolen computer, kicked out of UF and then had one great season at Auburn. What an outstanding person! How about renaming a road for every fallen soldier, fire fighter, police officer or anyone who has actually done something abnormally positive for his country or community, instead of naming it after a lying, cheating, thief, who probably has never done a selfless act in his life and has been given a million chances to correct his dishonest ways. There is more to life than being a natural athlete, but maybe not on the south side of Atlanta.
Mike
July 24th, 2012
4:02 pm
I guess South Fulton doesn’t have any more pressing needs that should be addressed if all the commission finds important is naming a street after someone.
Deacon Blues
July 24th, 2012
4:03 pm
Maybe they should ask Auburn & Coach Chizik to put in another $200k to cover the costs
ASHCAN!!!
July 24th, 2012
4:15 pm
I can’t believe this (oh yea in this world of what color is he or she i can) a blog on a possible street name of a person bring out hatred and harsh comments????? Wow, still petty.
mj
July 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
I think he should contribute more to his alma mater (Westlake HS) and have some of his endorsements made on his behalf to help the poor kids would mean more. The thought that he is charging people for his autograph tells more about his character than anything he (has or)will contribute to the game and society. He’s arrogant and self serving. I believe he is a more visible crook than Bill Edwards. I have worked at Westlake and he didn’t set the world on fire even as a student -back in high school before he became this “phenom” that everyone is talking about. Punk-ass kids grow up to become punk-ass adults without proper guidance and direction and shouldn’t be immortalized unnecessarily no matter what “odds”they have overcome. People wake up to something that’s real important (and necessary)
ASHCAN!!!
July 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
I will ask this question again, how would the name of a street effect you???? (Bloggers). If they ok the name of the street and you don’t like it, just don’t drive down the street.
WTF
July 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
who cares
ernisTbass
July 24th, 2012
4:21 pm
ain’t ” skid row” already taken
Amy
July 24th, 2012
4:25 pm
This has nothing to do with race. He cheated and stole in college, was nearly expelled from Florida, played a few good years of football, and is only 23. I had a better record than that at 23 and I even had a college diploma to show for it. He deserves nothing from our city.
What is the rush
July 24th, 2012
4:27 pm
Why not wait till he is eligible for the NFL HOF or until he has a storied career or does something overwhelming for society. There are plenty of regular joes who “beat the odds” but don’t have a road named for them. What a bunch of crap and a waste of money. Spend the money on education or roads or fixing the overflowing sewage in Fulton County.
R U NUTZ
July 24th, 2012
4:32 pm
Let’s give this joker MLK Jr’s street. That’s a man who gave the ultimate scarifice for his people and country who deserves his street name. Give me a break. Him and his family are clowns. They beat the system and not worked forthe system. Bunch of welfare babies. Let Carolina give him a street named after himon skid row.
Just the facts
July 24th, 2012
4:33 pm
The ignorance in these comments is staggering.
Newton was not caught stealing; he was not caught cheating; he was not kicked out of Florida. All of these facts are documented
The NCAA spent 13 months investigating Auburn’s recruitment of Cam Newton and declared that they could find no violations.
I don’t believe in naming roads or buildings for people at all, much less when they are this early into their life. It is better to wait until you can take full stock of someone’s life to determine if they are worthy of the honor.
Besides, I would think the tax dollars could be better spent elsewhere.
suggs
July 24th, 2012
4:40 pm
You deserve every non issue you get for living in the ATL.
Get Your Priorities Straight
July 24th, 2012
4:55 pm
I don’t have an issue with Cam Newton at all. But my problem with this is that there are WAY more serious issues to be addressed, instead of Fulton County wasting time, energy and money on renaming a street. Can we get potholes repaired on streets in a timely manner? Can we focus on traffic?
Amanda
July 24th, 2012
5:03 pm
All that kid needs is something to inflate his head more. He is obnoxious and way too full of himself. He was good in college, let’s see if he actually accomplishes anything else before naming a street after him.
Mortimer Cuthbert
July 24th, 2012
5:04 pm
This dbag Cam has a place in my buddy’s building in Buckhead. He is a huge a hole. He hits on people’s girlfriends in the elevator and says things to them like – “You coming to the party?” and the girls are like “What party?” and he says “The party in my pants.” What a d bag. Don’t name a street after this jerk!
TIredOfWaste
July 24th, 2012
5:05 pm
How can the area residents have voted for such an idiot as Bill Edwards to represent their area? There are so many problems and economic crisis at hand and your county commissioner has nothing more intelligent to propose than spending taxpayer money on this as well as wasting time on a hearing for such non-sense. Really, really pitiful. Find someone who is worth electing who might actually do something constructive for the citizens of the area.
Sara
July 24th, 2012
5:07 pm
What about the fact that he got kicked out of University of Florida for stealing a laptop? Why does everyone forget about this? He is not a good role model simply because he was good at a sport.
Mike Brown
July 24th, 2012
5:10 pm
To whom It may concern, Cam Newton doesn’t need a street name after him. First He didn’t even play football at a Ga Colleges. Next I am sick anf tried of Ga player’s leaving the state and come back home and wanting to be accept back. Surpport you local school first.!!! Next He doesn;t even play for the falcon Come on people stop it.
Bernie Matt
July 24th, 2012
5:13 pm
This is really not about Cam! Pretty classless all the people taking shots! Cam’s a very nice young man.
This is about an out of touch politician who is wasting tax payors money and time trying to garner favor with Cam’s dad! That’s it! I hope all the South Fulton residents who posted here will remember that at election time!
Mortimer Cuthbert
July 24th, 2012
5:13 pm
@Suggs, where do you live? Griffin? Covington?
JD
July 24th, 2012
5:27 pm
I personally don’t agree with renaming streets period. Not only is it a waste of taxpayer money but as others have said, the residents have to get all their personal things changed (checks, driver license, utility bills). It’s crazy. Just wait and name a new street after the person.
kandidkennie
July 24th, 2012
5:30 pm
I think It’s way to early for this to happen.
Mike
July 24th, 2012
5:45 pm
Has he accomplished anything of real significance? Winning a few football games is hardly reason to honor him. Maybe when he wins a Nobel prize or cures cancer……
James
July 24th, 2012
6:14 pm
Enter your comments here
James
July 24th, 2012
6:23 pm
Most of you people are ignorant. He deserves this honor first because he’s earned it. What notable accomplishment have you achieved? NONE. Most of you are small minded and jealous.
Walter Clyde Frazier is the greatest basketball player ever to come from Atlanta. He is a legendary NBA Hall of Famer. Do you think there is a street, school or a park named after him? NO. Why? Jealousy. Like Frazier, Newton will never be “good enough” for some of you people no matter what he accomplishes.
Plainsman
July 24th, 2012
7:11 pm
I’m all for it……best player money could buy!!!
Great Idea!!
July 24th, 2012
7:21 pm
What a fantastic idea!!! But since this avenue is on the south side of town, let’s call it South Cam Newton Drive. Then it could be abbreviated S.Cam Newton Drive.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 24th, 2012
7:45 pm
I am a Cam Newton fan, but unless you are a war veteran and/or dead, you shouldn’t have a street named after you. And if your primary source of fame comes from sports, you shouldn’t have a street named after you, period. Save the street names for people who make a real difference.
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
July 24th, 2012
7:58 pm
Mike & Whatever,
Jealous MUCH, WAR DAMN EAGLE or WAR CAM EAGLE,
National Champs, 2010 When was UGA’S last NC???
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
July 24th, 2012
8:00 pm
Apart from the petty comments, my 2 cents, Agree It should be saved for War Veterans, Hero’s that have sacrificed their lives to save another-enuff said!!!
WDE
D man
July 24th, 2012
8:37 pm
Why are we spending tax dollars on this when we need road improvements so bad that our Government is spending millions on advertising trying to get us to vote yes for TSPLOST? Stop wasting our tax dollars on stupid stuff…
chris
July 24th, 2012
8:49 pm
My people kill me ….the boy has done something good and yall put him dwn. Im not from Ga but Im sure you have a Washington street which is named after a president known to own slaves and whip our ancestors ….Why dont yall boycott those streets also. No one is perfect and he got plenty of time to fix the wrongs from his youth.
Rick James
July 24th, 2012
8:53 pm
@James
Most of you people are ignorant. He deserves this honor first because he’s earned it. What notable accomplishment have you achieved? NONE. Most of you are small minded and jealous.
Walter Clyde Frazier is the greatest basketball player ever to come from Atlanta. He is a legendary NBA Hall of Famer. Do you think there is a street, school or a park named after him? NO. Why? Jealousy. Like Frazier, Newton will never be “good enough” for some of you people no matter what he accomplishes
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Jealousy has nothing to do with it.Walt Frazier was from Atlanta but he played for the Knicks.Bill Lucas was the first black general manager in baseball with the Braves and the name of Brownlee Rd in southwest Atlanta where he lived has not been changed.Hank Aaron lived on Lynfield Dr. during his time with the Braves but that street name has not been changed.Georgia Ave.in front of Turner Field was renamed for him “after” he retired. Nobody is jealous of Cam,he’s accomplished a lot.Just not enough.At this stage Eric Berry is a better choice simply because of what he does in the south fulton community.
TIM BUCK
July 24th, 2012
9:01 pm
What dumb ass would want their street named after a crook? A dumb ass family member I guess……..JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
zeke
July 24th, 2012
9:27 pm
He is a cheater! Auburn should have gotten the death penalty for the payment they made to his Father or to his church, whichever! Eventually he will have to give back the Heisman for this criminal activity!
Shawn
July 24th, 2012
9:40 pm
Since when do morals, scruples or accomplishments have anything to do with naming roads in ATL? Ie Cynthia McKinney Blvd….etc etc etc.
Dorothy Scarbrough Howard
July 24th, 2012
9:44 pm
As a Scarbrough (yes, there are many ways to spell it) I say do not change the name of the road that represents my great great-grandfather. I don’t know who Cam Newton is and that, I think, says everything. Why change the name of a road that has been Scarborough Road for MANY MANY years to some kid that most people haven’t heard of?
Chuck Allison
July 24th, 2012
9:49 pm
There have been so many changes of Atlanta and Fulton County streets in the last 40 years that new maps should be issued every six months. Most have apparently been racially motivated. I guess it could happen again if the hispanics ever become the majority race there.
Rick James
July 24th, 2012
9:52 pm
@Dorothy Scarbrough Howard
As a Scarbrough (yes, there are many ways to spell it) I say do not change the name of the road that represents my great great-grandfather. I don’t know who Cam Newton is and that, I think, says everything. Why change the name of a road that has been Scarborough Road for MANY MANY years to some kid that most people haven’t heard of?
——————————————————————————————————————————
I dont think the name should be changed but who’s ever heard of your great great grandfather?
Rick James
July 24th, 2012
10:00 pm
@Chuck Allison
There have been so many changes of Atlanta and Fulton County streets in the last 40 years that new maps should be issued every six months. Most have apparently been racially motivated. I guess it could happen again if the hispanics ever become the majority race there.
————————————————————————————————————————–
Racially motivated??? I agree that there is just too much name changing but I dont understand your racially motivated comment. When Forest Ave was changed to Ralph McGill Blvd I rejoiced because Mr McGill deserved the honor and Nathan B.Forest who started the Klu Klux Klan did not..Yes I know he was also a confederate officer.And for those who dont know Ralph McGill was a long time editor of the AJC.
I HATE AUBURN
July 24th, 2012
10:28 pm
he has only played one year in the NFL and his daddy is still cashing the checks from Auburn.. GET REAL people did we name a street after George Rodgers or Fran Tarkington ?? GO DAWGS
I HATE AUBURN
July 24th, 2012
10:31 pm
Racist??? Did we not rename our airport after the big fat black Mayor???? God bless the carving on St Mtn and our heritage……
Rick James
July 25th, 2012
12:24 am
@I HATE AUBURN
Racist??? Did we not rename our airport after the big fat black Mayor???? God bless the carving on St Mtn and our heritage……
—————————————————————————————————————————–
No..His name was just added next to to the fat white one who by the way had already been honored by having a gorilla (Willie B.)named after him at Zoo Atlanta
I HATE AUBURN
July 25th, 2012
12:55 am
Ricky James my lil BOY dont you understand that Atl would not be the Capital of the south if it were not for Hartsfield and if they named an APE after a black man then we would really be racists. So shut your pie hole you A hole
I HATE AUBURN
July 25th, 2012
12:56 am
Oh By the way Jackson was a FAT ASS PIG
Scam is a loosah...
July 25th, 2012
6:59 am
I am confused – is this a redneck vs redneck or African American vs redneck debate? Hard to distinguish this across Failcant and Awbarn fans….you all look alike….family tree don’t branch much, huh?
Bob Avent
July 25th, 2012
7:46 am
We have got to stop naming things after people while they are still alive. There is no need for it. Look at the Paterno fiasco. If Penn State had waited until Paterno died do you think they would have put up a statue in his honor? Cam is too young and has a lot of living left to do before we honor him with something as simple as a street name. Maybe that would be incentive to keep his nose clean……
Bruce
July 25th, 2012
8:01 am
I hope he doesn’t replace a street named after a Confederate general or prominant slave owner, that would really hurt.
everlevel
July 25th, 2012
8:34 am
Name it “why can’t we all get along drive”
Hardhat
July 25th, 2012
8:49 am
Don’t name a street after someone until his full body of work is out there to be examined. I mean like in another 40 years would be fair. He and his dad already has a shady past. But then again Jackson was crooked and they named an airport after him. I am too young to remember Hartsfied I am sure he he was not totally above board what mayor was?
shankit
July 25th, 2012
9:47 am
A model student athlete. What did he major in at Florida,
the Jr. College and Auburn? When did he graduate?
commonsense
July 25th, 2012
10:43 am
Jose Canseco had a street named after him in Miami. That had to be renamed.
Lets wait
hard fact
July 25th, 2012
10:54 am
The plague of the slaves continues on America. Everyday more stupidity abounds.
Reg
July 25th, 2012
11:07 am
Yes, let’s honor a liar who did not even finish college that was given to him for free.
Scam Newton
July 25th, 2012
1:11 pm
The Scammer has a lot of time left in his left to screw up. And he probably will. Let’s be real, his father isn’t exactly a great role model.
Scam Newton
July 25th, 2012
1:11 pm
Left in his life****
swaggmaster
July 25th, 2012
2:23 pm
cammmmm newton is going to be a star i put money on it
Big Game James
July 25th, 2012
5:14 pm
Thanks ATL. When Matty “Ice” hasn’t got the lightly soiled birds anywhere don’t come down 85 knocking on Cam’s door.
CHi-Town BBaller
July 26th, 2012
5:38 pm
Looking at from the outside(not the south). There are parks and streets named after slave owners, but we have to be selective with Cam character. Did the Archie Manning tell San Diego his son wasn’t going to play for them? All, I forgot that, that’s different. No wonder most people with a brain love the NFL vs College football
Woody
July 27th, 2012
11:17 am
Name the road “Pat Dye Drive.” Anyway, Pat Dye played for Georgia.
tripledart
July 27th, 2012
11:17 am
Hey it worked for Cyntia Mckinney .And they already have a lot in common.
They both stole and have not given nothing back.
N. Patterson
July 27th, 2012
1:24 pm
911 operator need to be trained so the will know how to locate streets that’s been around over 30 years off Hyw 138. Use that time and money to try and keep these misguided people that will not work that’s going around kicking in doors. use the money to hire more animal control workers, There are only 4 to work Fulton Co. North to South. What is more important?
DODO
July 30th, 2012
6:16 pm
at some point, it will come out that his father did take money for Cam’s services and then what are all the neighbors suppose to do? Hold a parade for him?