So I might as well admit it...

[mav1234]

I'm sure that the Packers either didn't know, or turned a blind eye to things with Farve, as did the Jets, as did the Vikings. There are enough security people to know what is going on. The same with Rothliesberger. The same will be true of Newton or any other player.

Then explain why Big Ben was nearly released, and the Steelers only kept him after he supposedly committing to changing his ways? If what he did doesn't matter, why did the Steelers even bother considering it? Or do you think that was just to placate the fans? Sure, they may have known he wasn't leading a life on the up and up, but once things blew up they were ready to take action. It may turn out that what matters more is how you do it, rather than what you do, but that doesn't change the fact that image is important to owners.

The fact is that image does matter, especially for a guy like Richardson. Obviously nobody is perfect. He's not expecting anyone to be. But there's a difference between being perfect and being a distraction off the field. Shockey is a great example of this... He's not perfect, but he's not much of a distraction (at this point in his career anyway) either.

These guys are role models. I don't care if Herm Edwards thinks it's stupid. Sports players are role models, they know they're role models. Whining about it isn't going to change that, and nor would JR suddenly doing an about face. He expects his quarterback to be a face of the franchise, someone that people will identify with the team.

[Ricky Spanish]

Then explain why Big Ben was nearly released, and the Steelers only kept him after he supposedly committing to changing his ways? If what he did doesn't matter, why did the Steelers even bother considering it? Or do you think that was just to placate the fans? Sure, they may have known he wasn't leading a life on the up and up, but once things blew up they were ready to take action. It may turn out that what matters more is how you do it, rather than what you do, but that doesn't change the fact that image is important to owners.

The fact is that image does matter, especially for a guy like Richardson. Obviously nobody is perfect. He's not expecting anyone to be. But there's a difference between being perfect and being a distraction off the field. Shockey is a great example of this... He's not perfect, but he's not much of a distraction (at this point in his career anyway) either.

These guys are role models. I don't care if Herm Edwards thinks it's stupid. Sports players are role models, they know they're role models. Whining about it isn't going to change that, and nor would JR suddenly doing an about face. He expects his quarterback to be a face of the franchise, someone that people will identify with the team.

Charles Barkley would like to argue with you

[mav1234]

Charles Barkley would like to argue with you

haha, I know.

Maybe it's unfair to them that they are role models, but that is how it is for many athletes.

[raleigh-panther]

Then explain why Big Ben was nearly released, and the Steelers only kept him after he supposedly committing to changing his ways? .

The Steelers kept him because of money, no other reason. He also had several other 'allegations' against him.

My point is, leopards don't change their spots. The NFL with its security knows most of these things about players to begin with, to say they don't, is to believe in the tooth fairy. It's a business and this business is athletics.

IMHO anyone who thinks an athlete is. or should be a role model is misguided. Our parents are role models, not adults who play a kid's game. They are good at athletics, and most of them not much else.

We would like to think athelete's who have the opportunity to do so much good for what they have blessed with, of course; but, it's not realistic to expect altruistic behavior from a 21 old year old, many of whom have not had to follow rules because they are athletes.

[MHS831]

I have said this all along: If they check his past out and if they think he is coachable, and 2 NFL professionals are willing to put their careers on the line over him, then at some time you have to trust the Panthers. However, drafting Newton is not a victory or a loss. It is a beginning. It is not what I would have done, but if we draft him, I will be a Newton fan, just like I am a Clausen fan because he is a Panther.

If they honestly feel Cam can be the franchise QB, then they better not trade the pick. However, if a team like CIncy offers and they get a second rounder and a Peterson or Green, they should if they are not 100% sold on Cam.

[mav1234]

IMHO anyone who thinks an athlete is. or should be a role model is misguided. Our parents are role models, not adults who play a kid's game. They are good at athletics, and most of them not much else.

We would like to think athelete's who have the opportunity to do so much good for what they have blessed with, of course; but, it's not realistic to expect altruistic behavior from a 21 old year old, many of whom have not had to follow rules because they are athletes.

You can have more than one role model in your life. I know plenty of kids that look up to athletes now, dream of one day being them, and they have perfectly fine parents. Sure, they'll look to their parents more than that dude (which is why the parent is in charge of explaining, for instance, why Kobe Bryant was just accused of rape on sports center :P), but that doesn't mean they don't play a role in the kid's life. They do. When you're in the spotlight, people will look up to you. That's how it is. That means that these guys are a bit more under the microscope.

Why exactly do you think role models need be *altruistic*? Dude, there's a giant difference between what Big Ben was accused of and "not being a choir boy."

[KillerKat]

Still think we're adding a vet though. The best available right now is Hasselbeck.

[mav1234]

No matter who we draft, no matter the position, we are not going to camp with just Clausen, Newton, Pike.

Could be our veteran is just Matt Moore though.

[teeray]

I have a gut feel thay if the RFAs hold Moore will be our vet. Clausen, Newton, and Moore. I know that doesn't make a lot of people happy.

[CarolinaVeins]

No matter who we draft, no matter the position, we are not going to camp with just Clausen, Newton, Pike.

Could be our veteran is just Matt Moore though.

I agree. If we can acquire Hasslebeck with the above mentioned QBs would be good but not promised. But Matt Moore may have to do

[MHS831]

I agree. If we can acquire Hasslebeck with the above mentioned QBs would be good but not promised. But Matt Moore may have to do

Moore is going to be recovering, and I don't know how long it will take. Nobody else will sign him, so we get him cheap. Volek might be the guy they bring in.

Everyone needs to remember that 4 weeks is a long time. This could be the best smokescreen ever, and you can say you would love to have Cam, but how many here would put their jobs on the line? Essentially, that is what Hurney and probably Rivera are doing.

[CarolinaCatBrigade]

What is this "source" you speak of? My "source" says that this is a bull sh*t thread.

[jtnc]

Moore is going to be recovering, and I don't know how long it will take. Nobody else will sign him, so we get him cheap. Volek might be the guy they bring in.

Everyone needs to remember that 4 weeks is a long time. This could be the best smokescreen ever, and you can say you would love to have Cam, but how many here would put their jobs on the line? Essentially, that is what Hurney and probably Rivera are doing.

We need someone who can actually TEACH like Mcnabb, Palmer.......etc

[Verge]

I'm not surprised anymore. from what everyone has been saying recently, I would be shocked if we didn't take newton now.

the big question now is what number will he wear? Pickles is sporting his number 2 already, what number will he choose?

Which jersey number can I taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaakkkkkkkkkkkeeeee?