The Cam Newton and Race Thread!

[panthers55]

I am not a fan of Clausen but have been one for Newton. I guess that either makes me a zero bar or like most fans on this board and within the fan base, I am rootiing for the player that I think can get the job done regardless of his color, race or sexual preference.

The only physical attributes I care about have to do with speed, strength, and athletic potential. As far as quarterback goes it is more important that they be a hard worker, give everything every day, and leave it out on the field. I want to know what kind of leader they are and whether they garner respect from his peers.

I do admit to being prejudiced against little green people, werewolves and zombies.

[ncmonzta]

Questions about work ethic and intelligence are definitely not limited to black quarterbacks. I've heard them asked about plenty of guys. Most notably in the past, Ryan Leaf. This year, people have character and attitude concerns about Ryan Mallett. You won't see them much here though because nobody is interested in taking him at number one.

And yes, there are plenty of times when white quarterbacks are talked about as being well-spoken, or not so.

It's not racist to ask a question if you think it's a legitimate issue, regardless of race.

If you want to read racism into something, then you can see it in anything, regardless of whether it's actually there or not.

I agree to a certain extent but don't be blind. How you break records and go undefeated to win championships twice and have your work ethic questioned is beyond me and the media still questions him. Mallet has cocaine accusations and no one mentions it, the only thing you here about him is he's going to be a steal and his great arm, yet Cam comes out of college with the highest QB rating and completion percentage and everyone concerned if he can throw and has a enough smarts to play QB

[Marguide]

It's more subtle than that. It's when people question the work ethic or intelligence of the black qb. Has there been any debate over whether Gabbert has the drive or intelligence to become a good NFL qb? Not really.

I also saw one announcer at the combine refer to Cam as "well spoken". Do white guys get described as well spoken? No, it's just taken as a given that they are.

Zod, not that my opinion is special, but IMO its good to get this discussion on the table. Almost no one above caveman level has a problem with rooting for black athletes these days. However, I believe its a different story when you are talking about the leadership position on the field. This position has historically been held by white guys, and some have trouble envisioning black guys in the same position. Call it racism or something else, but the result is the same.

As Tom points out above, if a black QB is being considered, many immediately question his intelligence and work ethic, and this happens much less with white guys. If you do not think this is true, you just haven't looked with an open mind. It is everywhere.

Then there are the suggestions that black players can't handle money or success, that once either is achieved, they turn lazy or turn Hollywood.

People assume Blaine Gabbert is smart and a hard worker, because his QB mentor said so, but when Cam's says the same, its suspect.

There is no question there is a double standard.

[mav1234]

It's more subtle than that. It's when people question the work ethic or intelligence of the black qb. Has there been any debate over whether Gabbert has the drive or intelligence to become a good NFL qb? Not really.

I also saw one announcer at the combine refer to Cam as "well spoken". Do white guys get described as well spoken? No, it's just taken as a given that they are.

funny, because that was something people said about Gabbert at the combine. Those racist bastards!

Also, no, nobody really question's Gabberts intelligence per se (football decision making, yes, intelligence, no) because he's earned some academic recognition so at very least he's book smart. Doesn't necessarily translate to the NFL but he apparently took college seriously enough to work at it and get good grades.

People assume Blaine Gabbert is smart and a hard worker, because his QB mentor said so, but when Cam's says the same, its suspect.

There is no question there is a double standard.

This is not exactly true. As I mentioned above, Gabbert has shown he's smart in other areas. As to being a hard worker, I've not seen many people specifically say that Newton doesn't or won't work hard, just saying he's going to have to work through a transition the same way Gabbert will. Gabbert's will be different due to different types of offense and different levels of preparedness, but he's still going to have to work at it.

[KaseKlosed]

contrast ignites expansion, some expand and some try to stay stagnant in their thought process....people will talk about only of what they "believe" they know....good luck debating this issue!

[Snake]

I'm just sick of the Nostradomus' on here.

Too many definitive statements about draft prospects. We all know better.

That and "gut feelings", give me a break.

Totally agree. This is why I have said I will be happy with what Hurney does. He knows a hell of a lot more then I do about players and if he picks Cam I am happy and if he picks someone else I am happy with them. He has been more right then wrong in his career.

[TheRealDeal]

there is a double standard when it comes to Gabbert. Just go look at the other thread and ESPN comparing Newton to Gabbert all of a sudden what you do in college doesnt matter and Gabbert is still the "better" QB.

When did what you do in college matter?

It didn't "all of the sudden" not matter, it's never mattered. Ever.

[csx]

Who has questioned his work ethic ?

I think the only characer related questions are about his integrity which is fair game given his history. Mallett is questioned about his intelligence and character and has been completely written off becuase of them.

[Zcustom]

When did what you do in college matter?

It didn't "all of the sudden" not matter, it's never mattered. Ever.

What's your opinion of Greg Mcelroy?

[ncmonzta]

When did what you do in college matter?

It didn't "all of the sudden" not matter, it's never mattered. Ever.

I guess thats why Luck is the "next Peyton Manning" because of his high school stats and success, no wait.. his nfl, i mean...:confused:

[TheRealDeal]

What's your opinion of Greg Mcelroy?

I've stated it at least twice.

I've heard from people that played WITH HIM that he tried to quit the team twice in his years there, once while they were in the midst of their championship run. I don't think he likes football one bit and I wouldn't want him on my team.

I honestly don't like any QB in this draft one bit but if I had to take one in any round, I want Colin K in the 4th-5th.

[TheRealDeal]

I guess thats why Luck is the "next Peyton Manning" because of his high school stats and success, no wait.. his nfl, i mean...:confused:

Tools is the word you are looking for. It's his NFL tools.

[The Saltman]

I honestly don't like any QB in this draft one bit but if I had to take one in any round, I want Colin K in the 4th-5th.

I listened to him on sirius radio yesterday and the guy sounds very knowledgeable about quarterbacking and offenses. I havent seen him or anything but what I hear from him is pretty good. If it wasnt for the college that he played for I think he would be a higher pick.

[TheRealDeal]

I listened to him on sirius radio yesterday and the guy sounds very knowledgeable about quarterbacking and offenses. I havent seen him or anything but what I hear from him is pretty good. If it wasnt for the college that he played for I think he would be a higher pick.

He's just raw as fook. We don't have room for that here but if we decide to dump Clausen and Pike im in