Sal Paolantonio (from ESPN) had a one on one w/ Hurney

[Dpantherman]

He is talking about his one on one and came away thinking we will select Newton. Looking for the his phone-in to SportsCenter online-- ill post it as soon as I get it.

I have a shitty memory, so I can't really tell you everything he said, which is why I'll be looking for the video online. Sal is reporting from Charlotte btw.

[Jackofalltrades]

Everyone in the media thinks that, Whyche is convinced; but I just don't see it happening.

[Dpantherman]

I still have my doubts. At the moment I feel like its so "obvious" that it won't happen.

[mav1234]

Everyone in the media thinks that, Whyche is convinced; but I just don't see it happening.

I didn't want him, but I'm convinced we're going to do it.

Ultimately I guess I am okay with it. I mean, he does have some pretty big upside. Just hard to really get behind a pick that I don't want them to make and think would be a mistake before it's made.

Once he's a Panther, well, that's a different story... but for now, still holding out hope we go a different route, I just doubt that we will.

[Millions]

Just watched the report on ESPN basically stated they have done a deep background check, they think he's determined to be great whether they select him will be a on the field football decision

[Kurb]

I still have my doubts. At the moment I feel like its so "obvious" that it won't happen.

That's where I am right now.

I honestly have no strong feelings about any player picked first overall anymore.

[CarolinaNut]

i think yasinkas is there too...also, i think we are gonna have a camera in our war room for NFL network

[SorthNarolina]

I'll get on the Newton bandwagon after we draft him. We've been pretty good at selecting players so I'll support Newton as long as he shows improvement or major flashes of his ability.

[ammofan]

He said that Hurney said Newton is totally committed to becoming a great player and is fully aware and willing to do the work he has to do to become great. Hurney also told Sal that the Florida/laptop thing isn't something that concerns him because they feel it isn't an event that will happen again.

[CarolinaNut]

He said that Hurney said Newton is totally committed to becoming a great player and is fully aware and willing to do the work he has to do to become great. Hurney also told Sal that the Florida/laptop thing isn't something that concerns him because they feel it isn't an event that will happen again.

if hurney is saying things like that i don't know why we wouldn't draft newton then...it seems he's sold on the kid

[Lout]

Hurney talked himself into the pick. That's a no-no.

[Dpantherman]

Paolantonio asked Hurney about Cam Newton’s alleged problems at the University of Florida, which included reports of a stolen computer and some academic improprieties. Hurney said he personally spent a lot of time investigating Newton’s time at Florida and is convinced whatever happened was a youthful indiscretion and not a pattern of behavior that will follow him to the NFL.

Hurney has also spent plenty of time investing Newton’s time at Blinn College and Auburn University. In fact, I’m pretty sure, Hurney’s looked at least as far back as Newton’s days in junior high. He said he’s not worried about Newton’s background. Hurney said his ultimate choice with what to do with the No. 1 pick will be a football decision.

“(Newton is) an exceptional athlete, who has all the tools to succeed at the NFL level,’’ Hurney said.

Paolantonio then asked the question that’s on everybody’s mind these days: “Does Newton want to be great?’’

“He is definitely driven to be great,’’ Hurney said.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/39690/sal-pal-checks-in-from-charlotte

more of the same, but its all we have at the moment.

[Zithers]

Don't worry guys. It's still a smokescreen.

[Cat'sGrowl]

I still have my doubts. At the moment I feel like its so "obvious" that it won't happen.

This.