Cam Newton’s Heisman is a victory for fact over suspicions
Auburn's Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy by a wide margin, but 105 voters chose to leave him off their ballot. (AP photo)
(Updated: 9 p.m. Saturday)
The problem isn’t just that some turned Cam Newton’s Heisman run into a morality play. The problem is how we’re judging morality.
His father tried to pimp him to Mississippi State for cash. So is this was supposed to be a vote for Cecil “Huggy Bear” Newton? Is a Heisman vote suddenly not for the student-athlete but for his father, mother and maybe third cousin? Because if that’s true, clear the trophy case. Start with last year’s winner, Mark Ingram, whose father has been in jail for most of the last 10 years for money laundering and bank fraud.
Cam Newton purchased a stolen laptop when he was at Florida, then panicked and threw it out the window when he heard police footsteps. Big mistake, for which he paid a price (public humiliation).
There have been stories of him being on academic probation at Florida. Sorry, but does this put him in some exclusive company in major college athletics that I’m not aware of?
As someone who makes his living in the world of opinion, it nonetheless astounds me how opinion so often trumps fact today.
Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy Saturday night. Maybe you don’t like it but it was the only choice that made sense.
Newton’s 2,263 points were far head of the next closest competitor, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (1079). But 105 voters out of the 886 returned ballots left Newton off their ballots. For the holier-than-thou voters who want to point to the word “integrity” in the Heisman’s mission statement and yell, “Aha!” — fine. The laptop incident and academic issues at Florida two years ago at the age of 19 prove that Newton is flawed. Welcome to a very large club.
Warrick Dunn, here delivering a new home to Janice Cantrell, is a pretty fair judge of character. (AP photo)
Question: Do Heisman voters hold every candidate to that standard every year, or is this just a new policy of theirs?
But to those who chose not to vote for Newton for the Heisman based on what they think he knew or they think he did or they think he took during recruiting, I would suggest they try peddling that in a courtroom and see where it gets you.
“They’ve done their investigation and the NCAA says he’s in the clear right now,” Warrick Dunn said Friday. “If they say he’s eligible, he’s eligible. People need to just let it go. He deserves whatever he gets.”
Dunn, the former Falcons running back, didn’t win the Heisman when he was at Florida State (he finished fifth in 1996). But he’s in New York with Newton this weekend to accept the Heisman Humanitarian Award for his long-standing.
“Home for the Holidays” program and the work of his foundation.
Few athletes in history have commanded as much respect on and off the field. So his opinion carries some weight.
When asked about Newton as an Auburn quarterback, Dunn said: “He’s resilient. Mentally tough. To be able to focus and stay on course during all of this says something about his character. He’s been able to separate the nonsense off the field with what he has to do on the field. It shows he’s strong mentally.”
As for Newton’s Heisman candidacy, Dunn was bothered that it was even a question.
“They’re just not giving him his due,” he said. “You’re innocent until proven guilty. Most of this is about public opinion, not facts. People want the perfect student-athlete. There are no perfect student-athletes. When I went to college, most of us didn’t even know if we were breaking rules. What if somebody talked to us or gave us a ride or bought us a meal? We didn’t know. I think a lot of what’s happening to Cam Newton just goes back to the Reggie Bush thing [when he had the trophy taken away for NCAA violations].”
Newton overcame his early problems. He plays with pure joy. He lifted a college program like few ever have. He’s one bowl game away from completing arguably the greatest season ever by a college player. He has endured the darkest of clouds hanging over his head, beating Georgia just after the scandal broke, Alabama on the road after it mushroomed and then South Carolina in the SEC title game.
If evidence should come out that Newton knew something or took something, the argument changes. Take away the award. A lack of integrity will be confirmed.
It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s better than the alternative of disqualifying somebody on a hunch. We don’t convict people when we think they might be thinking of robbing a bank. That’s not enforcing morality. It’s a presumption of guilt.
– By Jeff Schultz
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681 comments Add your comment
Tell the truth
December 10th, 2010
4:47 pm
JABA JABA JABA
John
December 10th, 2010
4:47 pm
Camtastic – so far they have 2 more undefeated seasons than UGAG.
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:47 pm
i didn’t know anything. my relationship with my dad is private. the only thing we share is a huge bank account…oops, did i say that?
Vain Jangling
December 10th, 2010
4:47 pm
Blogger: “You suck outright.”
Other Blogger: “No, but you suck without remorse.”
Blogger: “No, I’m pretty sure you suck with great skill.”
Other Blogger: “Why don’t you just quit blogging anonymously.”
Blogger: “Why don’t you just make me quit typing.”
Other Blogger: “Don’t make me blog again.”
Blogger: “If you intend to blog again, you’d better bring some help.”
Other Blogger: “My sick grandmother has a keener wit than you.”
Blogger: “That’s just stupid. Again, you suck.”
Other Blogger: “Oh yeah? I thought we all agreed that you suck.”
Blooger: “I’m about to use all caps, FOR ADDED EMPHASIS.”
Other Blogger: “Your caps cannot withstand my exclamation points!!!!!!”
Yep, arguing on the computer sure beats work!
Ncaa is a joke
December 10th, 2010
4:47 pm
im torn on this situation personally I dont believe that cam didnt know about this situation that was just to much money involved for him to not be aware of whats was going on but thats my opinion and my opinion does not count. I think the ncaa should carry some of the blame and nasty comments because they dropped the ball on this case they rules clearly state that the ath or anyone connected to the ath cannot solicit extra benefits and when his dad admitted what he did the ncaa should have stepped in but they didnt so it is what it is. he is still the best player in cfb and his dad asking for money didnt boost his stats he performed week in and week out so if he is later found guilty take the trophy back. But the ncaa should be under fire for their shady ways.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:48 pm
“so we had a few scooter violations and speeding tickets”
Along with fighting, drunken tirades, theft………… but please, don’t let a little “fact” get in the way of your hypocrisy.
“why does vern care so much about an unpaid speeding ticket?”
Ask him.
“puke”
Is your middle name.
Tell the truth
December 10th, 2010
4:49 pm
AU FAN 6 times SIx count em
Huffdawg
December 10th, 2010
4:49 pm
Scream, hollar, do what you want.. but no one is buying the Cam lie because it isn’t believeble AU Fan… we don’t hate Auburn, no one is out to get you… its simply the fact that nothing he’s saying is making sense, and you know it.
I’d be sad if I were an Auburn fan, you fans don’t deserve to be punished when it’s some wealthy alumni that has caused this mess.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:49 pm
“my relationship with my dad is private.”
Hey, Illinois just passed a Civil Unions bill. Maybe you and your dad can head there.
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:49 pm
who was fighting and who was in drunken tirades? quit making shat up…that was TN players, not UGA.
Dawg_Mike
December 10th, 2010
4:49 pm
Schultz- Please don’t mention Warrick Dunn in the same sentence as $cam.
Warrick does humanitarian work and does not want the limelight. he has helped a tremendous amount of people get their own homes and is a model citizen.
$cam wants all the attention he can get. He helps $cam.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:49 pm
“AU FAN 6 times SIx count em”
And that has WHAT to with Auburn 2010?
Nate the Great
December 10th, 2010
4:50 pm
GA Eagle: No I’m a UGA fan.
Tell the truth
December 10th, 2010
4:50 pm
JABA Just Auburn Being Auburn!!!!
fcd
December 10th, 2010
4:50 pm
Most of you grown folks on this blog have integrity issues on your jobs, with your wives, children and whoever else you come in contact with. Give it a break. The issue you people have with Cam Newton is MONEY and how much he will be receiving for playing football.
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:50 pm
if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying! war cam eagle!
Tell the truth
December 10th, 2010
4:51 pm
fcd Everyone does it eh? You gotta do better than that pal??
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:51 pm
“who was fighting and who was in drunken tirades? quit making shat up…that was TN players, not UGA.”
Two teammates of arrested Georgia football players Dontavius Jackson and Tavarres King are named in the UGA Police Department’s report on the weekend incident.
The report said Jackson, who was arrested on DUI and five other misdemeanor charges, “admitted to having consumed 2 shots while downtown” after initially telling police he had not consumed any alcohol.
http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2010/07/11/richt-suspends-jackson-king/
Nate the Great
December 10th, 2010
4:51 pm
John: Auburn still has the same number of NCs.
fcd
December 10th, 2010
4:51 pm
oh yeah…Cam Newton is a young man having fun. If you people were not living in fantasy land you would see that.
MURPHY
December 10th, 2010
4:51 pm
Dang just give him the Heisman already! Im tired of hearing about him everyday! He is without a doubt the best player in 2010.I will be glad when he goes to the NFL.Im over this Cam deal.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:51 pm
“if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying! ”
Nice Bear Bryant quote.
Tell the truth
December 10th, 2010
4:52 pm
AU FAN It tells all of us that Auburn has no problem with cheating with regularity.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:53 pm
“It tells all of us that Auburn has no problem with cheating with regularity.”
Ever heard of rogue boosters, ma’am?
Just ask Bama, they’re currently on probation until next year.
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:53 pm
Jackson, 20, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, underage possession of alcohol, following too closely, leaving the scene of an accident, violation of the move-over law and violation of learner’s permit. King, 19, was charged with underage possession of alcohol.
Sounds like a couple of maniacs to me.
Cam would just say, I didn’t know anything about the alcohol. I thought it was Diet Cammie Juice.
fcd
December 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
@ Tell the Truth…tell the truth all the way around buddy and give it a break. Quit pointing fingers!!!! Check yourself!!!
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
Tell the truth
Ma’am, you’re not too bright are you.
Tell the truth
December 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
JABA
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
Jackson is a great kid, just like Cam.
Oh yeah, Jackson wasn’t a Heisman candidate…sorry about that.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:55 pm
Cam-tastic
But you said that UGAY players never got drunk and arrested. So that makes you a complete moron.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:55 pm
“Oh yeah, Jackson wasn’t a Heisman candidate…sorry about that.”
Sucks for you.
meh
December 10th, 2010
4:55 pm
did you know that Auburn’s legendary coach Pat Dye played at UGA and Georgia’s legendary coach Vince Dooley played at AU?
HuffDawg Is Full Of Hot Air
December 10th, 2010
4:56 pm
Huffdawg
December 10th, 2010
4:40 pm
AU Fan.. I appreciate how hard you defend you team, it won’t save you. We know Cam is a liar, that a proven fact. Read the police report about when he stole that laptop. He’s a liar!
I bet you squirm each and everyday since this all came out, you know where this is headed… I’d attack too if I were in your shoes, its all you have left.
Can we let the laptop incident go already! It happened 3 years ago, he completed his community service, and the charges got dropped. Do I sit on here griping about the lastest Bulldog player getting arrested in Athens? NO! And trust me I live here it happens just about every other day. Just give Cam Newton his due and quit whining already! It makes you look so petty…..
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:56 pm
i didn’t say they didn’t have alcohol-related arrests.
this just in…college kids drink.
a drunken tirade is not the equivalent of drinking and driving…and following too closely.
i bet it doesn’t happen at auburn because auburn.
even if it did happen at auburn, i bet the the administrators could make it disappear.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:57 pm
HuffDawg Is Full Of Hot Air
It’s all dawg fans have since their third rate team is headed to Memphis.
Bottom line: UGA sucks at football and should instead focus on women’s gymnastics.
Blog Security
December 10th, 2010
4:57 pm
Cam-tastic,
I see school is out for the holidays.Dang you mean we got to hear your crap all day long now?
GA Eagle
December 10th, 2010
4:58 pm
After Saturday night…. Cameron Newton will be the next Heisman trophy winner. Auburn University will be playing for a national championship and thUGA will just be hoping they can beat a team from the state of Florida. That about sums it up.
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:58 pm
i’m a good kid…other than the laptop, the cheating, the lying, and the pimping.
-cam
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:58 pm
“i didn’t say they didn’t have alcohol-related arrests.”
yet you wrote
“who was fighting and who was in drunken tirades? quit making shat up…that was TN players, not UGA.”
You are a colossal moron.
Huffdawg
December 10th, 2010
4:58 pm
I hear you HDIFOHA…. LOL What we are talking about here is a man’s character, what does the character of Cam show, what has he done so far?
He has proven without doubt that he’s a liar, so it’s not a stretch to believe his’s lyeing now.
Blog Security
December 10th, 2010
4:58 pm
AU FAN,
A Techie in disquise!!!! No Aubarn fan can be this stupid
meh
December 10th, 2010
4:58 pm
UGA will beat Auburn next year.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
4:59 pm
“i bet it doesn’t happen at auburn because auburn.”
Sentence fail.
Huffdawg
December 10th, 2010
4:59 pm
You gotta give it to AU Fan, he’s has some dam good one liners..
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
4:59 pm
drunk does not equal tirade…you’re the idiot.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
5:00 pm
“He has proven without doubt that he’s a liar, so it’s not a stretch to believe his’s lyeing now.”
Question: WHY ARE DAWG FANS TERRIBLE WITH SPELLING?
HuffDawg Is Full Of Hot Air
December 10th, 2010
5:00 pm
You can’t get a better character witness than Warrick Dunn. The man has a huge heart & is one of the true “Good Guys” in the game. He has touched many lives through what he did in New Orleans. Hearing him tell folks to back off Cam speaks volumes, maybe some of ya’ll should listen to the man!
Cam-tastic
December 10th, 2010
5:00 pm
let’s see here au fan…this is a blog, and i’m not concerned about grammatically correct blogging.
if that’s all you got, they you ain’t got nothin’…(trying to speak au-language so you can understand).
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
5:01 pm
“drunk does not equal tirade…you’re the idiot.”
Like I said, you are a colossal moron.
AU FAN
December 10th, 2010
5:01 pm
“he’s has ”
OH MY GOODNESS, DOES THE STUPIDITY EVER STOP WITH DAWG FANS???????????????