Cory's Corner: Cam Newton and kids don't mix

Just who is Cam Newton?

That question has tried to be answered all week in the lead up to football’s finale on Sunday.

He’s the biggest lightning rod in all of sports — and he likes it.

Which is fine, because he’s a 6-foot-5, 250-pound man. He can handle it. He’s a defensive end playing in a quarterback’s body.

If a team doesn’t like Newton dabbing or taking selfies, they will either stop him or take him out. And frankly, I’m surprised that we haven’t heard more about the latter from opposing defensive players this season.

But Newton is about to enter the world’s biggest stage on Sunday. Super Bowl 50 will be broadcast in 230 countries and CBS is devoting more than 11 hours of coverage to the big game.

If Newton isn’t a household name around this country by now, he will be by Sunday night.

And that scares me because there’s a generation of kids that have and will fall in love with the strong and speedy quarterback.

Why? Because it’s only a matter of time before a kid in middle school or high school dabs after a first down or after a score. He will get penalized by the officials and likely get berated by his coaches.

With all due respect to Charles Barkley, professional athletes are role models — like it or not. Kids grow up identifying and dreaming about certain players and mimicking their every move.

Newton may never wear a whistle around his neck, but he is about to become a pseudo coach for a whole generation of kids — both white and black. And the longer those kids see a Heisman Trophy winner, a national champion, an NFL MVP and potential Super Bowl champion dance and wear out selfie sticks, they will start to think that behavior is commonly accepted.

And like I said before, I don’t have a problem with Newton doing those things in an NFL game. If an NFL player got enraged enough, he would send a message to Newton and anyone else that football games aren’t a place to get noticed for “Star Search.”

Now flip that back to the kids. How many opposing defenses are going to stand and watch someone dance and take selfies? It won’t take long before someone lays a punishing blow, which could injure someone severely or result in an all-out melee on the field.

We’ve seen sportsmanship erode at the youth level for a few years now. Kids have become more demonstrative and more aware that their reactions from a big play could end up on social media for all to see.

And now we’ve got an elite quarterback that is trying to win his first Super Bowl title — and he’s doing it by being demonstrative while riding the coattails of social media.

Newton knows when the cameras are humming and he knows when the lights are on. There’s a reason why he decided to wear the loudest pants you’ve ever seen exiting the team airplane in California or why he tied a towel on his head for the Opening Night media bonanza. It’s because he knows you will watch the reality show circus.

All Newton is doing is fine-tuning his brand. He’s Deion Sanders on steroids, and he’s always searching for the next endorsement opportunity.

However, kids aren’t a reality show. They’re still trying to figure out the game and teenage life. 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (119)

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Hematite's picture

February 05, 2016 at 05:18 am

I have watched 49 Super Bowl games on TV, I won't be watching number 50.
I refuse to enable the assinine antics of cam newton.
Do it Broncos, just do it!

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LeotisHarris's picture

February 05, 2016 at 05:50 am

Yeah, can you believe Cam? He should reign in his arrogant self-promoting antics so the kids know how to behave in a humble manner. Imitate putting on a championship belt after you make a play, Cam. And, I wish he'd stop handing the ball to kids in the stands after he scores. Pick up a teammate, put him on your shoulders and twirl him around instead. Show some class!

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Matt Laney's picture

February 05, 2016 at 05:51 am

You remember the ridiculous letter the Tennessee mom wrote? This is right up there with that.

To suggest the Cam Newton is not a good role model for children is ludicrous. Because he celebrates? Okay, so what message does Aaron Rodgers send when he celebrates? Growing up playing sports, you're not really allowed to celebrate after a play. It's only when you reach the pinnacle of your game, when you make it to the NFL, that you're allowed to celebrate. So Cam shouldn't be celebrating because some kids will emulate him?

Cam is an absolute wonderful role model. I live in Charlotte and everyday we hear about something else he did for the community. From unexpectedly showing up to a birthday party for a girl with Autism, to feeding 900 kids on Thanksgiving, Cam is always finding ways to give back. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins the Man of the Year award before he retires.

So back to the celebrating. He doesn't get in anyone's face. He's not being cocky and assuming he's going to win. He works hard. He respects the opponent. That's sportsmanship. And a dance in the end zone isn't going to take away from that. He's having more fun than anyone right now and he's doing it in a positive way.

Like it not, Cam is going to be around for awhile. And he's going to keep dancing, no matter what you or I think. It's time to embrace it. Embrace Cam as a positive role model, and also the NFL's newest superstar. Maybe you should have a talk with your kids about why Cam is having so much fun with his dancing. Or don't. Because it's not a big deal. Sports are supposed to be fun, and the Panthers as a whole have brought a fresh air to the NFL. They are a blast to watch and in two days they'll be hoisting the Lombardi for the first time in team history.

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:41 am

Bottom line, I hate just about every good player that doesn't play for the Packers. They are pretty much all jerks. But some players are just easier to hate than others. Tom Brady and his Captain Golden-Boy McButt-Chin persona. Peyton Mannings Cry-Baby-Egg-Head routine. Cam is in that category. I don't care about the dancing, per se. I just find the guy so phony. It's all an Ain't-I-Such-A-Rascal routine. It's more "trolling" than it is "celebrating."

That said, I don't worry about Cam's effect on "the children."

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:43 am

So, if the Packers would trade for him, since for instance Rodgers is injured, then you'd start to like him suddenly? Sounds a bit phony to me...

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dobber's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:45 am

There have been a good many Packers players I didn't like who I still rooted for. These are not mutually exclusive things.

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Hematite's picture

February 05, 2016 at 03:31 pm

BINGO

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:46 am

Where did I say that? Just because I hate non-Packers doesn't mean I love stupid antics when Packers perform them.

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Cody Legens's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:56 am

Did you boycott the Packers last Super Bowl because the title belt was in its prime? Or is that not asinine enough? What's more asinine, feeding 900 people on Thanksgiving or handing footballs to kids in the stands? Or is it the group pictures before the game is over? Would you prefer your QB to "photobomb" the team captians pregame picture before every game? Was Donald Driver's antics asinine when danced after EVERY first down catch? This is a GAME. Kids and men alike should be allowed to have FUN while playing a GAME.

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Chris Pattee's picture

February 06, 2016 at 01:30 am

Dude, haha, are you actually comparing Aaron Rodgers "discount double check" with Cam Newton's ridiculous display??? OMG!!! LOL!

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ray nichkee's picture

February 05, 2016 at 06:01 am

Within all this crap about cam newton being the new generation and all the excuses, i agree with one thing; stop him. He can give all the balls he wants to kids but almost nobody has commented on his sign stealing. He needs a back alley beat down for sure and roger goodell won't do shit because he is making the shield money. I will be a broncos fan this weekend. Cam newton and class act do not belong together.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 05, 2016 at 01:31 pm

So theft and vandalism is ok to you dislikers? Ok. You're right. Go be a role model to children and turn around and do things that should get you arrested, but wait, the media thinks it's ok so it must be.

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Oppy's picture

February 06, 2016 at 12:32 pm

If a Bears fan hung a Bears banner in a Lambeau field endzone and Charles Woodsoon stripped it down, most Packers fans would be high-fiving and recounting that story over beers on Sundays during Packers-Bears weeks for decades, telling their future children about it.

You know it's true.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 08, 2016 at 09:32 am

You and cam can go suck it, oppy. You are a douche and you are wrong.

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bridgecrasher's picture

February 05, 2016 at 07:26 am

You know, I have pictures of my grandfather and Vince on the sidelines of Lambeau Field, but I agree with Matt Laney 100%. This Cam Newton double standard is thinly veiled racism. Brady, Manning or Rodgers consistently show exuberance, wear beanies, or do choreographed celebrations and no one bats an eye. Brady leaves his pregnant girlfriend to get with Giselle, oh well. Newton lives with his girlfriend and child and people say he needs to man up and marry her?!? I'm disappointed to see this nonsense here...

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Oppy's picture

February 06, 2016 at 12:33 pm

Black people are scary when they do things that aren't meek and subservient!

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 06:42 am

I kept reading waiting for the turn, for the punchline. It never came. Jesus.

I hope Cam steamrolls the Broncos and dances his way to the MVP. This hot take is beyond asinine.

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 06:58 am

Yeah, as far as we know, he doesn't beat up women like Ray Rice or Greg Hardy, doesn't beat up little kids like AP but feeds them instead and gives them the ball after a TD, doesn't whine and ask for a flag after every play like Tom Brady, doesn't constantly show up team mates and roll his eyes at them like Aaron Rodgers, doesn't send PIs after whistleblowers pretending to be cops and have HGH shipped to his house like Manning (we know through Ari Fleischer the voice of integrity that it really was for his wife for undisclosed reasons), and doesn't constantly yell at refs before, during, and after the play like Pete Carroll, doesn't run a dogfighting ring like Michael Vick, doesn't defend criminal behavior on national TV like Tony Dungy, doesn't ask for illegal plays to intentionally injure other players on national TV like Rodney Harrison, and doesn't deal drugs like Johnny Jolly...

No, he has the audacity to overly celebrate on the field. Clearly we need less of Cam Newton in the NFL and more of the above people...

I am not a Panthers fan, but I live here in North Carolina, and the positive impact that Cam Newton has on the community through his charity work is undeniable and very positive. In times when many other star athletes show criminal behavior and do nothing for others, he is a great example of a young man who should be a role model, through his foundation and charity work. do I always like the antics on the field? No, but there is an easy way to put an end to it - stop him from getting into the end zone. Legally I might add, Rodney Harrison, one of the dirtiest to ever play the game. And if a kid does it and gets flagged, then you have a wonderful teachable moment for a parent to explain to the kid why it is not ok.

I have no stakes in this game, but with all this hatred displayed towards Newton, I really hope the Panthers beat the living crap out of the Broncos and win by 20+, and that Newton will be the SB MVP.

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:23 am

Well.. I think the Cam criticism is overblown. But let's not forget that he was kicked off Florida's team for felony theft charges. If your point is that the NFL is full of criminals, Cam Newton is one of them.

And can we stop repeating the lie that Jolly was a "drug dealer"? He was busted for possession of cough syrup. He's not El Chappo.

Our drug laws are nuts. I covered it in a blog post a number of years ago: http://hesgotallkindsoftime.blogspot.com/2009/07/is-jolly-facing-prosecu...

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:55 am

Which is a good point - if you want to criticize Cam, there is legitimate stuff to bring up.

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:40 am

I do think people don't like him for that.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:04 am

But why are we looking for things to bring up? Why do we want to criticize Cam?

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:15 am

I hate to answer a question with a question: but why did everyone hate Jim McMahon 30 years ago?

If you can answer that question you will understand where the Cam Newton hatred comes from.

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Bugeater's picture

February 05, 2016 at 04:16 pm

I hated McMahon too. Until he became a Packer!

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:15 pm

I don't want to. But if people are going to, at least use something legitimate.

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:39 am

Our drug laws are nuts, I agree with you on that. I don't know why pot is not legal yet. As far as I'm concerned, the drug war has long been lost, and really never was necessary.

Having said that, I honestly don't know why people continue to defend Johnny Jolly. All I hear is that he is an addict, and that made him do those things. He certainly is not El Chappo, I mean, who is? But he is a convicted criminal, and the amounts he was caught with suggest he was dealing drugs. Let's not forget that he was not arrested just once just with the 200 grams of cough syrup. The charge he was actually sentenced to 6 years in prison was possession of 600 grams of pure codeine, not cough syrup, and it was his 3rd drug arrest in as many years, and every time the amounts he was caught was went higher. He also tried to hide that 600 grams from cops, and emptied a cup of codeine onto the floor of his car. He threw a bag out of his car when cops chased him. I'm sure it wasn't powdered sugar that was in there.

While I am not a medical professional, I actually have a case in my circle of friends of someone who has to legitimately take codeine. What Jolly had in his possession was a 2 months supply for an adult who has to take the maximum amount for pain. The amount mandated criminal charges for dealing. He cut a deal, pleading not guilty for the distribution and pleading guilty for the possession. He got shock probation.

I am sure had he played for another team most Packer fans would label him a thug, a criminal, or whatever. But he played for the Packers, so he must be the ultimate good guy whose addiction just caused him to do all this...

But coming back to the article, who'd you rather have as a role model for a young kid? Johnny Jolly or Cam Newton? For me the choice is clear.

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:38 am

Read my post linked above. Everything you *think* you know about Jolly is wrong ("600 grams of pure codeine."). Just not true. The total volume included "adulterants," i.e., soda. This is part of what makes our drug laws so nutty. There are many people rotting in jail over trumped up charges like that. And unless our citizens start to scrutinize these laws nothing will ever change. This is a vitally important issue unlike Cam's lame-ass dancing.

"But coming back to the article, who'd you rather have as a role model for a young kid? Johnny Jolly or Cam Newton? "

Neither.

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PackerBacker's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:50 am

What was he, 19 when he got kicked off that team? Let's all look back at what kind of stuff we did when we were 19. He's not that age anymore and it's ridiculous to hold those things against him when he's doing good now.

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tjm65's picture

February 05, 2016 at 04:09 pm

Well said

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Razer's picture

February 05, 2016 at 07:41 am

Let's face it, the NFL is entertainment and Cam Newton is entertaining. We have Rodgers putting on his belt (not so much any more) and Cam does his thing. Call me old fashion but I am not a fan of players building brands during the game. I am not a fan of celebrating your 4 TD lead over your opponent. I don't care if it is Cam, Deon or any other hot dog salesman. One thing for certain, the NFL likes the Cam Newton type.

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PackerBacker's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:52 am

You ever won a game against someone else by 4 TD's? It's a blast. He was showing that he was having fun PLAYING A GAME!
Don't turn around and throw it in their face, but at the same time, if he wants to dab, then go ahead.

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Razer's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:51 pm

I like the way that Jordy Nelson conducts himself. No dabbing required.

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 04:06 pm

You are so right. I remember distinctly as a kid playing sports, if my team was up big time, we didn't stop playing or intentionally tried not to score. And every score on top felt better. The only thing that happened was that coaches substituted kids in who were maybe not as skilled as the starters, but those kids continued playing hard since they had a blast too.
Me personally, I want to be entertained by a game. and the showmanship is part of it, because then I can also yell at some players who I think behave badly... We should all chill out and relax a little.

And I am sorry, we all know celebrities in sports, movies, or any other public segment are automatically role models to kids. But there exactly is the opportunity for a teaching moment. Basically explain to the kid what is and what is not ok, no matter what Cam or whoever else does on the field or in the public eye. But I assume a lot of people want to also take the easy way out and say well but Cam does that on TV so now my kid is negatively influenced because of it and now I can't do anything about it? You are still the PARENT. Maybe some parents should stop trying to be their kids best friends and sprinkle some education and wisdom into conversations with the kids, and not just share selfies and friend postings on Facebook...

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 07:52 am

I agree with the article but I also think it's 20-30 years too late. If we would of danced in the end zone in the 70's/80's our coach would of kicked our A@#. Now not so much. You can see in the comment section that most of the commenters don't believe it's a big deal and even condone it. My guess is they are under 30 or there about. Instead of saying it's rude and unsportsmanlike the best they come up with is "It's not much different than Arod or Brady." or whoever. The excuses pile up till they believe it. So when Cam takes it a little further with the arrogance we accepted and in some way expect it. Even according to some posters Love it. A turd is a turd, It's not better or lesser than any other turd.

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:21 am

"Instead of saying it's rude and unsportsmanlike the best they come up with is "It's not much different than Arod or Brady." or whoever. The excuses pile up till they believe it."

How is pointing out the hypocrisy making an excuse?

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:36 am

It's a simple question about Cam Newton. If you want to talk about the belt and Arod write another article. Because some one else does it is not a qualifying defense in my opinion

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:52 am

Context is important.

If the thesis of the article is that dancing and celebrating are bad for kids, then I don't understand focusing on Cam. He's neither the first nor the only NFL player to celebrate. Players today were raised on Terrell Owens who was raised on Deion who was raised on Icky Woods who was raised on Billy "White Shoes" Johnson. Cam is no different. And football hasn't devolved into an "all-out melee on the field."

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:57 am

Is it? Maybe context is important to you. It's not really to me under this circumstance. Sometimes you just know when you see a turd. You don't have to talk about others that do it and putting it in context. It's just that simple, but that's just me.

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:02 am

Oh, and all the people that you mentioned above, yep, "turds". Personally the may be good people but when they are doing there antics on the football field on word came to mind. The phrase "act like you've been there before" is more my style.

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:08 am

But the article wasn't about Cam being a "turd." It was about him having a negative effect on children. Which is silly.

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:19 am

I guess If you don't believe what he does is arrogant on the field you would believe he doesn't have a negative impact on kids. I think his arrogance is obvious, and if you believe the way I do it's silly to suggest it doesn't have a negative impact.

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PackerBacker's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:08 am

It's just a bunch of grumpy old men yelling at him to get off their lawn and forgetting that HE'S PLAYING A GAME!
He's not in a boardroom, he's not a politician, he's a 20-something year old playing a damn game. If he wants to celebrate, he should.

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:16 pm

I guess I'd need some tangible examples of this alleged "negative impact."

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:12 am

ah the good ol' 70s and 80s. I remember them well. Grew up during that time. Highest crime rates of all time in the US. Violent crimes almost quadrupled vs 1960, property crimes more than double.
Wonder what the impact on kids was back then. Maybe a little dancing would've been good. Oh I guess Travolta, Flashdance, and Footloose had that covered LOL

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WisconsinRob's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:12 am

I'm really disappointed that this "take" has appeared on this website. Like a previous comment, I was awaiting the punchline that never came. Also, I fear there was an underlying hint of race and culture involved.

Take out Cam Newton & Dabbing. Add Aaron Rodgers and Title Belt. Do you feel the same way?

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:30 am

Exactly proving my point. Someone else does it so it's ok. I guess I thought the question was "Does Cam take it too far". not About Arod and the belt. But if you want to talk about that someone should write another article. I mean Adrian Peterson does loads of great charity work I'm sure, but he's still a turd for beating his kid.

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JerseyAl's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:17 am

I'm fine with any article that hits on something that creates intelligent discussion. Doesn't matter if I personally agree or not.

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marpag1's picture

February 06, 2016 at 03:41 am

It's a mighty short walk from that philosophy to the one that says, "We don't care if an article is total crap, so long as people click and start arguing."

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jasonperone's picture

February 06, 2016 at 10:49 am

Just remember that "total crap" is an opinion, not a fact. Unless every single last person on earth agrees with a take, it's just one of many

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Evan's picture

February 06, 2016 at 12:56 pm

The consensus certainly seems to be leaning toward the "total crap"side.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:14 am

I think Newton takes it too far sometimes. I've seen him after a modest gain lying on the ground and suddenly start smiling broadly because he realized the end zone camera will pick up the photo. Still, I don't think it is a big deal, though. Call me back when he does something criminal, or arguably immoral.

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:26 am

No.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 05, 2016 at 01:34 pm

It was against Carolina's policy. Was it childish? Perhaps. Was it immoral? NO, not even close. Was it criminal? Certainly not.

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:19 am

I mean...it's not like Mr. Class Donald Driver didn't dance after every single first down catch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX4KdM_V7nc

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:27 am

I think the biggest difference is Driver and others is that they don't/didn't play QB.
The QB position is "supposed" to be the position of maturity and the leader of the team.

When most QB's have celebrated in the past they tend to do more so with teammates. While they have their trademark celebrations, most don't put on a show with it.
The biggest negative on Cam is he tends to celebrate more on his own. Which draws more attention to him. I think that is the biggest issue people have with him.

I for the record don't have a problem with him, but I can see that being the biggest problem.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:19 am

So, Cam is selfish? Ahhh. Got it.

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:29 am

Didn't say that.

He does like to draw attention to himself though.

Which honestly there isn't anything wrong with it, but that is just explaining why a lot of people don't like him.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:36 am

Can the same be said about Brett Favre?

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:18 pm

The same can be said about every single NFL player outside of offensive linemen and most kickers/punters.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Follow up question...

Will it be said about every single NFL player outside of offensive linemen and most kickers/punters?

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 04:08 pm

nah, he just draws attention to his junk from what I hear...

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TarynsEyes's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:24 am

We have players doing antics for a 1st down, a catch, a sack, an INT and anything else that gets a camera shot/air time.
My only issue with Newton is how many he is allowed to do for each.Handing a ball to a kid should be it or his dab or his Superman or whatever but he should be limited to one as like also everyone.

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:28 am

I think that is what a lot of peoples problems are with him. He over celebrates.

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Kyle Graham's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:03 am

This is exactly the issue. He over celebrates. I have no issue with guys dancing and having fun but when it's excessive and continued its too much. And for the love of God will people stop bringing up arod doing the title belt. Seriously how many years has it been since he has done that? It's not even relevant anymore.

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:37 am

There is nothing wrong with the 'titlebelt', or Cam's 'superman'. Its the over celebration that people don't like.

Its not just a Cam Newton thing either.

Think back to when Nick Barnett did his samurai sword. He would do it after making a tackle in a meaningless game and people even Packer fans hated that. Same with Finley. He would go on and on over making a 1st down catch and people hated that.

Its not the person its what they do. Over celebrating is what people don't like.

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:55 am

CMIII the predator, Gilbert Brown the gravedigger... Let those guys have a little fun. This is entertainment. I personally don't want to go to a stadium and see 22 robots performing a few plays at any given time, then hand the ball over to refs, and then we all go home...

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:05 am

I'm completely fine with all of them. I think a lot of times it motivates the team and crowd.

But there are times when players do stuff, that people don't like. When a team is getting blown out and they do that, it pisses most people off.

Like Barnett and his sword. He got ripped on a lot for that.

Its the over celebrating that most people don't like.

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Angelique Anderson's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:01 am

So then can Rodgers only pick one celebration too?....stupid....

Hey NFL players U can only pick one celebration ever...

Dumb

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:38 am

its not about 1 celebration.

Its extended celebrations that most don't like.

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TarynsEyes's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:47 am

Why is limiting the celebration to one antic stupid? Would you prefer the antics loom for a minute, 2 minutes perhaps a chorus line act. The point is common sense and a little self control. I don't care if a player has a repertoire of antics to display...I would prefer it be over in 5 seconds and get back to t he game and let's limit the announcers wasting time talking about it through the next 10 plays.

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Bugeater's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:41 am

It's like anything else, if the guy is on your team you love it. If he's on an opposing team you hate it.

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Angelique Anderson's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:00 am

That's perfectly said....we love rodgers stuff but hate on cams

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TarynsEyes's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:57 am

BS...if Rodgers was doing the belt after a 1st down run or after a TD I'd be pissed as it isn't called for. The celebration should be in line with the achieved action. Newton is over the top on nearly every thing. His boasted love of the game is diminished by his unsportsmanlike celebrating conduct.

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egbertsouse's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:46 am

I don't especially like Cam Newton. I'll be rooting for the old sheriff to get one last trophy. I hate all the celebrating and strutting and posturing. ( I used to really hate Nick Barnett doing his karate dance after tackling a guy who just gained 8 yards.) But, I'm an old fart, my idea of football is Super Bowl I. I hate 55 passes a game and indoor stadiums. I hate people sitting across the table from me and staring at their phones. I hate selfies, the Taj Mahal is beautiful enough without your grinning face in front of it.

But then I return to reality. Welcome to 2016. This is the way it is and its' only going to get worse. Get over it. The world is changing. We're not the demographic that matters any more. Nothing we can do about it. cam can do all the dancing he wants until somebody actually tackles him.

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:50 am

::backs off Egbert's lawn::

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:03 am

Look, the old sheriff is one of the few guys I could possibly be rooting for in the AFC. But at the same time, he sent PIs to a whistleblower who pretended to be cops. He also admittedly received HGH shipments to his house. But that of course, at least according to Ari Fleischer, the absolute voice of integrity in this country, was for his wife, not for himself. I didn't know she had neck surgery too...
The world is changing as you've perfectly said. The NFL is even more of an entertainment league now than it ever was. And Cam Newton is a product of our times, like it or not. He's not going away. My point with Cam Newton is, there certainly are things that you can be critical about. Legitimate points. To single him out for outrageous celebration in a league that is full of outrageous celebrations and say that his impact on kids is negative because of it is silly at best. His charity work and foundation and working for kids in North Carolina certainly make more than up for that, should there be a negative impact due to his actions on the field, which I seriously doubt.

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Evan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:54 am

I've always said: when you're right, you're right.

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:38 am

I'm guessing you don't say that a lot. :)

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:39 am

Just messing with you Cow. I agree with it as well...

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Since'61's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:54 am

Cow - you're perfectly correct. But the problem is that increasingly, the celebrations are what is focused on not actual football. It's more about what move/gesture is Cam or AR or whoever going to make after this play rather than the play itself. Let's save the time and frustrations and just move on to the dance competition because that's where it's going anyway. Thanks, Since '61

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:26 am

I pretty much agree with a lot of what you said, except for the trickery part.

They do a lot of trickery type of stuff on offense. They do a lot of different things to get Ginn the ball in space. They do it by using trickery.
Also the trickery is used in the read option type of plays they run. Those plays are designed to trick defenses.

'Players being put into situations that accentuate their strengths'

The do a phenomenal job of that. That is exactly what most of us Packer fans were hoping the Packers would do.

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TommyG's picture

February 08, 2016 at 01:50 pm

I will counter your pattern of:

9ers
Hawks
Hawks
Panthers

With the following:

Ravens
Hawks
Pats
Broncos

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Angelique Anderson's picture

February 05, 2016 at 08:59 am

Let.him celebrate.....U don't like it then stop him......and last I checked he also gives the ball to a kid every td.... he does a ton of off the field work too.......Rodgers celebrates a ton......shit driver celebrated every first down........get over it....he's a beast......guy is doing stuff we never seen before...instead of hating on him and his talent cus ur jealous and/or racist just enjoy it while he is here cus one bad hit and we won't see a guy like him for a long time....get over yourself author.....U don't want ur kids a acting like him then be a better parent and teach them what U feel is right and wrong

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Kyle Graham's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:07 am

I coach youth football at the middle school level and this has been an issue before cam and it will be after. Us coaches always joke about how much we can't stand the Odell pre game clips of him doing his one handed catches because now our wide receivers who are learning to catch correctly are one handing everything trying to be like Odell. The generation now is all about the newest dance craze or whatever which is fine but it's not ok when they are costing the team 15 yards. I know my team doesn't celebrate after touchdowns because they don't like running lol.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:36 pm

I don't understand how a PART of his pre-game ritual is an issue. I'm guessing here -- but I would bet that it's more for the fans than him showing off. Also, he's not attempting to make those types of catches during games unless it's a desperate attempt that's outside of a 2-handed reach (Cowboys game). Before him it was Victor Cruz. I don't remember either one of them getting flagged for their TD celebrations. I mean, it's in Madden so it has to be legal, right?

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Kyle Graham's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:42 pm

Personally I love watching him play he's exciting but the pre game warm ups from someone that the kids on my team lookup to is important to them. They think after seeing the best player (in their minds) preparing like that, then that is what they are supposed to do. You see what I'm saying?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:59 pm

They have to know or get taught that isn't the way to make routine plays. Odell isn't spending his entire pre-game warm up attempting one-handed catches. Instead of letting the kids focus on that 1 part mention the other parts of his warm-up.

We haven't seen a WR like him since Randy Moss (and this is on a bad Giants team). I doubt he's just practicing one-handed catches. Where does the media come into play?

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Since'61's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:39 am

The ridiculousness of NFL celebrations has been building for 2-3 decades now. Originally after a play, even after a TD the player just flipped the ball back to the official and the game moved on to the next play. Then came the spikes after a TD, then the end zone dances, then the team end zone celebrations and now we have a dance or a move or a gesture after just about every play. Pretty soon we will get to the point where we won't have plays at all. Just have the players make all of their post play moves and we'll award first downs and points to the best gestures and dances. We're almost at touch football now anyway. But the NFL and most professional sports have become reflections of our increasingly superficial and supercilious society anyway. Just look at the alleged presidential candidates from both parties if you need further proof. The problem is that the money keeps rolling in for the NFL and the players and that's all anyone really cares about. No one cares that concussions were up about 60% over 2014, 182 in 2015 versus 115 in 2014. That's only 11 concussions per week, big deal. Let's keep on dancing and taking selfies, we're all having fun. Many of today's fans don't know what they are watching anyway and believe that this is all part of the game, even if it is unnecessary and meaningless. So, the beat goes on. As Lewis Black said, pretty soon the fans will sit in the stands and planes will fly over and drop dog crap on them and they will sit there and say WOW this is great, quick take a selfie so everyone can see that I'm covered in Sh-t. The owners and players won't care because they are also laughing all the way to the bank. Sadly, while the quality of the players dances and gestures improves the quality of play continues to slide past mediocrity. Eventually it will slip into oblivion, but will anyone notice or care? I wonder what Halas, Rozelle, Lombardi and others would do if they saw that their once proud league has been reduced to a 3 ring circus. But, the show must go on. Thanks, Since '61

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bridgecrasher's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:01 am

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SpaceManatee's picture

February 06, 2016 at 04:20 pm

You both lament how football has become too soft (it's basically touch football now) and the increase in concussions all while comparing it poorly to politics and including a Lewis Black quote. This is my favorite take, so far. Well done.

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Bugeater's picture

February 05, 2016 at 04:19 pm

I always think it's just a touch funny when Packer's fans gripe about celebrations. Our stadium has a STATUE honoring our post touchdown celebration for Pete's sake!

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WisconsinRob's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:47 am

I wish I could share this with the world.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:13 am

I totally disagree with this article. I hate it -- along with most of the comments here.

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:58 am

I think it's awesome that you would take the time to make this comment. Completely awesome. Not even sarcastic.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:26 am

The things one can do in 24 hours...

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:23 am

"The love is fake, but the hate is real."

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701Packer's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:57 am

Can't wait for the "Johnny Manziel and kids don't mix" article.

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:05 am

you get a plus 2 like sir. Well done.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:29 am

@Omega He isn't winning and isn't.....never mind. Just don't hold your breath.

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bridgecrasher's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:33 pm

But Johnny Football just loves life! Cam is a thug! ;-)

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 11:41 am

For those who don't like Cam's celebration(s) do you also dislike every other NFL player's celebration(s)?

If not, that is a problem.

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scullyitsme's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Ah, Drealyn, Everyone else has moved on. it's just occasional humor now...how embarrising

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:14 pm

It's ok. Some people are just piss poor morally. You'll be alright. Keep hope alive.

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Flow49's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:15 pm

I don't agree there aren't many players that do a choreographed dance everytime they gain a first down. I have no problem with celebrating a great play or a big first down or touchdown. But Cam parties like he's never been there before every time he scores gets a first down or ties his shoes in a double knot correctly. I also just don't really care for his off the field personality either. I don't know the man from Adam but what I see on tv I don't care for.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 12:23 pm

"I don't agree there aren't many players that do a choreographed dance everytime they gain a first down" You obviously don't watch many NFL games then.

He parties like he's never been there before? Oh, that's news to me.

You don't know the man from Adam and you don't care for his off the field personality.

What else? Get it alllllllll out...

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Flow49's picture

February 05, 2016 at 06:37 pm

So I'm not allowed to not like someone? I don't care for his personality so I don't cheer for him. We all say the same thing about Cutler as well. I don't hear anyone complain about people disliking Cutler for his personality.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 07:36 pm

It's fine to not like someone. The reason(s) is what's the issue.

You said you don't know him. You don't know what he's like off the field, and that you don't mind the celebrations. But when it comes to him on the field you don't like what you see. What are you seeing on the field from him that you don't like?

And What is it that "we all say" about Cutler? I don't like Cutler as a QB. That's it. I don't know anything else about him outside of when he plays against the Pack. I'm not making blogs about him. I'm not waiting until the biggest game of his career to talk bad about him. Miss me with the b/s.

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Flow49's picture

February 05, 2016 at 10:27 pm

I haven't really cared much for Cam since his Auburn days. Like I said I don't know Cam Newton personally I just don't care much for what I see on TV. I really don't see the problem there. I am not advocating he stop or be stopped from celebrating I'm fine with him doing it I just don't care for it. If you don't want Cam to celebrate stop him simple as that.

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Bob Fossil's picture

February 05, 2016 at 01:27 pm

The Packers are known for a post TD celebration that some think should be illegal and consider over the top: the Lambeau Leap. Any problems with that?

The NFL and some fans still want players to be silent drones. I'm fine with his celebrations. If teams don't like it then stop him from scoring.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 05, 2016 at 01:42 pm

I guess it's true... that "winning cures everything".

NONE OF US cared about this until the Packers began to look so bad.

Victor Cruz
Antonio Brown
Arian Foster
Travis Kelce
JJ Watt

Just to name a few players in past years who have their OWN celebration. Any articles from Cheeseheads about them showboating? Did any of us attack them for looking like they're "partying" in the celebrations? Nope. Our Packers looked good. Too busy focusing on the Pack.

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Hyatt Lazear's picture

February 05, 2016 at 01:45 pm

Cory JJ,
I really hope those damn kids get off your lawn. And I hope you publish a similar article about Rodgers' Championship Belt celebration, and the Lambeau Leap. Let's take all celebrations out of football and take it back to a time that never existed when no celebrations were ever done.

Seriously, saying Cam's on field antics are damaging to the youth ignore the real issues in the NFL, like the "Treat a woman however you like, we'll still give you a job if you can play" way teams operate. Or the "there is no link between playing football and CTE" attitude of the league (That is a direct quote from their head of concussion research of the league). These are the REAL problems that coaches and parents need to address, not dancing.

The worst part of this is that singling out Cam is ridiculous as EVERYONE celebrates. John Kuhn spikes the ball when he gets a TD. Barry Sanders retired 16 years ago, and with him went the "just hand the ball to the ref". Celebrations are ingrained in the NFL. So if you are going to call Cam, be sure to call out EVERY NFL player playing today.

I'll work on those damn kids on your lawn for you.

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SpaceManatee's picture

February 06, 2016 at 04:15 pm

Let's not forget Brett who was always running around "like a kid" out there.

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tobinrote's picture

February 05, 2016 at 05:36 pm

well here is the problem i have. i worry i want cam to act like a good upstanding protestant like Bart Starr, be a gentleman, stop the narcissism. But then i love the antics of Richard Sherman, who seems to me to be genuinely funny and he knows it. There is not the self-mocking humor in Cam's stuff. Occho-Cinquo was funny too, so he did not bother me. so what is it? i am confused.

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D.D.Driver's picture

February 05, 2016 at 09:27 pm

That's funny. I feel somewhat the same. I love Richard Sherman. Part of it is that Sherman comes across raw and passionate. Cam's antics come across like phony brand building. Even his smile is over the top and phony. He's the NFL's own Eddie Haskell.

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marpag1's picture

February 06, 2016 at 02:58 am

I dislike Cam Newton, but not as much as I dislike the banal, sanctimonious blather about our poor, poor kids.

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SpaceManatee's picture

February 06, 2016 at 04:13 pm

What a blistering take. I'm gonna need oven mitts to handle this. Your kids behavior is on you, the parent, not the athlete you sit them in front of a TV to watch.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 06, 2016 at 06:31 pm

Read the new ESPN story on 6 year old Braylon Beam?

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