Warren Moon sees racial bias regarding Cam Newton

[Brooklyn Bully]

Racism or not, I've never seen such criticism over a player in a LONG LONG time, sans Vick. Cam doesn't deserve it. But welcome to the New Media world we live in where any fool with a computer or phone can create a wildstorm.

[SCP]

How far will this go. Lets say in 5 years, Cam ends up being a bust. Will fans be allowed to boo or criticize? Or will they be labled racist?

I just think this racist stuff is being blown way out of proportion. Hopefully if we draft Cam, he will use whatever it is you guys are seeing as motivation.

[Swarly]

Racism or not, I've never seen such criticism over a player in a LONG LONG time, sans Vick. Cam doesn't deserve it. But welcome to the New Media world we live in where any fool with a computer or phone can create a wildstorm.

huh

Mallett receives much more criticism than Cam

you just hear more about Cam because he's in the running to be the first overall pick

[mav1234]

Racism or not, I've never seen such criticism over a player in a LONG LONG time, sans Vick. Cam doesn't deserve it. But welcome to the New Media world we live in where any fool with a computer or phone can create a wildstorm.

How many players with similar histories to his have been in contention for the #1 spot before?

[Proudiddy]

well, the reality is that Cam Newton was arrested. That he had to leave one school because he got in trouble. That he had some huge question marks. And that honestly, his style of play typically doesn't pan out in the NFL. At the same time, the sky is the limit for him. His potential is crazy. He's in consideration for the #1. So he's a hot topic. He divides people, which makes him a popular subject for ESPN, etc. Is his race a reason for that? Partially, but I do believe if he was white AND did everything he has done he would still be a hot topic... though who knows what the tone would be.

The Golden Calf of Bristol was never in consideration for the #1. He was never in off the field trouble. and he still took crap. So meh.

But, that's why I said these guys are not good to stack up to one another in this situation because each is definitely polarizing for different reasons.

No doubt, the things that happened at Florida should be checked out and sometimes I even questioned Cam's sincerity as a person when in interviews and such, but I just don't see what he did at Florida as things that automatically make him a career criminal and horrible person. I'm sure most of the guys in the NFL draft cheated on a test sometime in their life. And even that in itself is a issue... Who leaked out that info? I'm willing to bet Cam wasn't the only player who cheated on a test at Florida, in fact, I'm sure a lot of players do it (with administrative or coaching staff knowledge). This is where I start to question why all of these things are out there...

But, you raise good points regardless.

I just think people should put more weight into what Moon is saying because in every interview I have watched him in growing up through now, I never heard him go into "white people hate me and held me back from being one of the greatest ever!" speeches, despite having plenty of reasons to feel that way. I don't think he takes issues regarding race lightly and treats such issues with respect, so it's interesting for him to say this.

[koolkatluke]

Racism or not, I've never seen such criticism over a player in a LONG LONG time, sans Vick. Cam doesn't deserve it. But welcome to the New Media world we live in where any fool with a computer or phone can create a wildstorm.

The Golden Calf of Bristol and Clausen last year. Randy Moss and Warren Sapp even Peyton Manning got alot for not being able too win the big game.

[teeray]

What I was trying to say was not that black and white players aren't labeled. They are. I was trying to say that not all questions about a player need be racially motivated just because they have been in the past.

If Freeman's intelligence was questioned, that is stupid. If his accuracy was questioned, that is legitimate, but imo he's turned out fine.

Now, Clausen paid scouts left and right to say good poo about him so I have no idea what the fug is true about him and what isn't in terms of scouts opinions, lol.

Cam's had some serious poo happen in this life, and he seems to have grown from it. Still, when you have the kind of things happen that he did, you do need to answer for them a bit... and he's not the only QB in this draft taking a hit from it. While people around here may not realize it, I personally think Mallett has had as much negative publicity for what little he actually gets... but hey, feel free to disagree with me :)

I will not disagree with you. :) A LOT, LOT, LOT of Cam's grief is his own doing even if I feel some of it is overblown. And he needs to answer those questions.

But when you compare him to Mallett I don't get the same sense of vitriol against Mallett as I do Cam. Maybe that is because of exposure but some people hate Cam in the same manner they hate Mike Vick. It just seems so unwarranted and odd to me. In the grand scheme of things Cam really didn't do sh#t yet people act like he is a murderer. Not you guys but just general fans. It is so over the top. Maybe I am just too much of a Hugger. :)

[ncmonzta]

http://walterfootball.com/pro2009jfreeman.php

"Strengths: Elite frame with excellent height and in great condition ... No questions about arm strength; shows elite arm strength on 15- to 20-yard stick throws (outs, posts) ... Uses nice touch and throws a catchable ball ... Can throw the ball on the run ... Very low interception percentage from sophomore to junior year; Solid decision maker ... Nice footwork and has a quick drop ... Outstanding feel for the pass rush ... Great mobility and can gain yardage with his feet ... Extremely high upside.

Weaknesses: Accuracy was abysmal in junior year ... Locks on to receivers and shows below-average field vision ... Wildly inconsistent; runs hot and cold ... Questionable leadership ... Intangibles will go under the microscope by pro scouts who can talk to KSU players and coaches.

Summary: Freeman's physical tools makes him a near lock for the first day of the NFL Draft, because of his physical tools, with first-round potential. Personally, I would have to know more about Josh Freeman the person (character, work ethic, leadership) to give a more accurate grade. Freeman is a classic example of a Boom or Bust prospect.

Player Comparison: JaMarcus Russell.Russell had questionable intangibles coming out of LSU with a cannon for a right arm (Freeman's arm is not as strong as Russell's). His accuracy in the NFL is horrendous, but he still shows amazing upside. "

[mav1234]

Well, it's true there are people who hate Cam Newton. I'm not talking about the insane crazies. There are some of them. I'm more talking about the people who post news site stories. Not random tweets, not message board posts, but actual content on sites people look at. In that regard, I think Mallett has taken a beating.

and btw, by no means does anything Cam did make him a career criminal but it might mean his judgment is flawed, so you gotta check that out. I doubt it is, but there are other reasons I don't want to draft him anyway.

[Brooklyn Bully]

huh

Mallett receives much more criticism than Cam

you just hear more about Cam because he's in the running to be the first overall pick

Uh...I didn't mean "he can't play" criticism, I mean OMGZ HEADLINEZ ON TEH ESPNZ!!!11. The media has feasted on Cam this season. Like I said, welcome to New Media. Ratings, Tweets, blogs, etc. It's as bad as that Perez Hilton guy gabbing about celebs.

[mav1234]

http://walterfootball.com/pro2009jfreeman.php

Where does that question his intelligence? Where does it question his football IQ?

I mean, the biggest complaint about Jimmy was his lack of leadership, and while the "kid with the golden arm" thing was all over the place, the fact is, it seems some of those concerns were legit.

edit: FYI, at the time that was written, Russell was not yet considered a "huge bust" like he is now. He was just not yet successful, but he was still in the league. In fact, he had just completed a season that had some people thinking he'd take an actual step up, because he did get better. He actually had more TDs than INTs! LOL.

[Jaxel]

Uh...I didn't mean "he can't play" criticism, I mean OMGZ HEADLINEZ ON TEH ESPNZ!!!11. The media has feasted on Cam this season. Like I said, welcome to New Media. Ratings, Tweets, blogs, etc. It's as bad as that Perez Hilton guy gabbing about celebs.

True, but probably because he came out of no where to win a championship, hiesman, etc, etc, etc... It's the same as The Golden Calf of Bristol last year... Shoot all of football season they had that "The Golden Calf of Bristol tracker" on espn...

[Swarly]

Uh...I didn't mean "he can't play" criticism, I mean OMGZ HEADLINEZ ON TEH ESPNZ!!!11. The media has feasted on Cam this season. Like I said, welcome to New Media. Ratings, Tweets, blogs, etc. It's as bad as that Perez Hilton guy gabbing about celebs.

it's only going to get worse as twitter and poo expands

plus now that Favre is officially retired ESPN has about 5 or 6 hours per day during the NFL off-season to fill up since they can't have favre-watch

[Ricky Spanish]

http://walterfootball.com/pro2009jfreeman.php

I'm not sure you read what the guy actually said. you just bolded the words character, work ethic, and leadership when in that sentence, he said he wasn't sure about all those things with freeman so he would have to look into it more.

he wasn't saying he had bad work ethic or character, just that he wasn't sure about it based on his current (at the time) knowledge