A tale of two football players...

[Lukey]

You can learn a lot about life from football. Here's a good life lesson in the tale of two African American players from the Superbowl. One is Cam Newton who is brash, sometimes vulgar and very talented, but his response to criticisms of his on-field behavior, very unconventional (bawdy even) for a quarterback and team leader, was the tired Obama-like "they're racists." The other is Von Miller, who shortly after being named Super Bowl MVP, took advantage of the limelight to reach out to a very talented, but troubled (and white) football player whose family thinks he is possibly suicidal and spiraling out of control - Johnny Manzeil.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/johnny-manziel-von-miller-super-bowl#

Cam Newton? Well he stormed out of his post game interview:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cam-ne...-sulk-in-poor-postgame-showing-070021525.html

Which one of these guys is the better man? Which one has done more for positive race relations? Pretty damn clear, isn't it? Race pimping is for losers...

 

[RickWA]

You can learn a lot about life from football. Here's a good life lesson in the tale of two African American players from the Superbowl. One is Cam Newton who is brash, sometimes vulgar and very talented, but his response to criticisms of his on-field behavior, very unconventional (bawdy even) for a quarterback and team leader, was the tired Obama-like "they're racists." The other is Von Miller, who shortly after being named Super Bowl MVP, took advantage of the limelight to reach out to a very talented, but troubled (and white) football player whose family thinks he is possibly suicidal and spiraling out of control - Johnny Manzeil.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/johnny-manziel-von-miller-super-bowl#

Cam Newton? Well he stormed out of his post game interview:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cam-ne...-sulk-in-poor-postgame-showing-070021525.html

Which one of these guys is the better man? Which one has done more for positive race relations? Pretty damn clear, isn't it? Race pimping is for losers...

Another stunning compare and contrast is that of Cam Newton (it's all about me, others are racists, storms out of a post-SB loss) versus last year's super bowl losing QB, Russell Wilson ("this loss is on me", "we'll be back and I won't let my team down", "I have to be better in this game", etc.).

Accountability, humility, decency, ownership, LEADERSHIP.

This cultural rot characterized by victimhood, selfishness, and unaccountability is sickening. If you can't even sack up and take on adversity in a freaking GAME...just wait until your wife or children are needing a rock during hard times.

We are a nation that fosters weakness, cowardice, and "me first".

 

[ObamacareForever]

What does Cam Newton being brash or bawdy have to do with race? What does Von Miller trying to help Johnny Manziel have to do with race?

 

[Dino]

What does Cam Newton being brash or bawdy have to do with race? What does Von Miller trying to help Johnny Manziel have to do with race?

Where were you the past two weeks? Any criticism of Newton's behavior or personality were deemed racist, some calling it an irrational "fear" of Cam. The lefty media made sure to draw attention to his race. And you know damn well they'd be bringing his race into it had he won this Super Bowl.
Did you follow the media hype leading up to the game

 

[connieb]

Another stunning compare and contrast is that of Cam Newton (it's all about me, others are racists, storms out of a post-SB loss) versus last year's super bowl losing QB, Russell Wilson ("this loss is on me", "we'll be back and I won't let my team down", "I have to be better in this game", etc.).

Accountability, humility, decency, ownership, LEADERSHIP.

This cultural rot characterized by victimhood, selfishness, and unaccountability is sickening. If you can't even sack up and take on adversity in a freaking GAME...just wait until your wife or children are needing a rock during hard times.

We are a nation that fosters weakness, cowardice, and "me first".

I said something very similar to my husband about the differences between very young and very talented QB's in Russell Wilson and Cam Newton.

Its obviously a very emotional thing. And, I have seen interviews after the fact with other "greats" like Tom Brady where he doesn't behave much better...but he also epitomizes spoiled and entitled.. himself.. So, this is not Cam Newton alone.. but you are right, the wider picture of society is pretty sad, very sad. I am sad for my children.

connie

 

[georgephillip]

You can learn a lot about life from football. Here's a good life lesson in the tale of two African American players from the Superbowl. One is Cam Newton who is brash, sometimes vulgar and very talented, but his response to criticisms of his on-field behavior, very unconventional (bawdy even) for a quarterback and team leader, was the tired Obama-like "they're racists." The other is Von Miller, who shortly after being named Super Bowl MVP, took advantage of the limelight to reach out to a very talented, but troubled (and white) football player whose family thinks he is possibly suicidal and spiraling out of control - Johnny Manzeil.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/johnny-manziel-von-miller-super-bowl#

Cam Newton? Well he stormed out of his post game interview:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cam-ne...-sulk-in-poor-postgame-showing-070021525.html

Which one of these guys is the better man? Which one has done more for positive race relations? Pretty damn clear, isn't it? Race pimping is for losers...

Does anyone remember Peyton Manning's post-game behavior two years ago? I saw Cam getting bored with some pretty predictable questions before calmly walking away

 

[Arkady]

Another stunning compare and contrast is that of Cam Newton (it's all about me, others are racists, storms out of a post-SB loss) versus last year's super bowl losing QB, Russell Wilson ("this loss is on me", "we'll be back and I won't let my team down", "I have to be better in this game", etc.).

Accountability, humility, decency, ownership, LEADERSHIP.

This cultural rot characterized by victimhood, selfishness, and unaccountability is sickening. If you can't even sack up and take on adversity in a freaking GAME...just wait until your wife or children are needing a rock during hard times.

We are a nation that fosters weakness, cowardice, and "me first".

I also thought Newton's behavior was despicable, and immediatley thought of contrast with Wilson (and so many other poised, classy QBs we've seen in recent years speaking after a loss.) Check out Manning's post-game press conference from two years ago -- he'd been not only beaten, but humiliated in an historic fashion by Seattle as the clock on his career ticked down, and yet he stood up, owned up to mistakes, complimented the opponent, answered questions courteously, etc. That's got to be hard as hell -- investing everything you've got all year into one game, getting utterly embarrassed, and still being able to be gracious and professional.

Anyway, I'm glad you mentioned Wilson, since I think there will be a tendency for racists to want to treat Newton's behavior as somehow emblematic of race, rather than just an example of a particular bad individual.

 

[Jen]

You can learn a lot about life from football. Here's a good life lesson in the tale of two African American players from the Superbowl. One is Cam Newton who is brash, sometimes vulgar and very talented, but his response to criticisms of his on-field behavior, very unconventional (bawdy even) for a quarterback and team leader, was the tired Obama-like "they're racists." The other is Von Miller, who shortly after being named Super Bowl MVP, took advantage of the limelight to reach out to a very talented, but troubled (and white) football player whose family thinks he is possibly suicidal and spiraling out of control - Johnny Manzeil.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/johnny-manziel-von-miller-super-bowl#

Cam Newton? Well he stormed out of his post game interview:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cam-ne...-sulk-in-poor-postgame-showing-070021525.html

Which one of these guys is the better man? Which one has done more for positive race relations? Pretty damn clear, isn't it? Race pimping is for losers...

The race card is stupid.
Utterly stupid.
So the game shoulda been given to him because of his race?
Really?

 

[Arkady]

Does anyone remember Peyton Manning's post-game behavior two years ago? I saw Cam getting bored with some pretty predictable questions before calmly walking away

Manning's post-game conference from two years ago is on youtube.

Scrub to 2:12 for the start of the session.
Here's more:

It's a stark contrast with Newton -- he answers questions thoughtfully and at length -- he compliments his opponents, steps up with responsibility, etc. He's visibly hurting, but knows what is expected of a professional and a leader in that setting and delivers.

 

[Arkady]

Does anyone remember Peyton Manning's post-game behavior two years ago? I saw Cam getting bored with some pretty predictable questions before calmly walking away

The questions are always boring and predictable, win or lose. But these are PROFESSIONAL athletes. They get paid a lot of money for more than just what they do on the field. Part of their job is fielding these questions at press conferences. Those who do that part of the job well win fans for their teams and sympathetic coverage from sports writers. Those who can't control their emotions end up alienating fans and writers. Newton is talented enough as a player that I'm sure the team will gladly take his contribution even though it comes with a side order of petulant child. But I'm sure the whole team would be better off if he could step up and start acting like a professional. That doesn't mean he can't be brash. Shannon Sharpe, for example, was a loudmouth throughout his career. But he was dignified and gracious in defeat.

 

[georgephillip]

The questions are always boring and predictable, win or lose. But these are PROFESSIONAL athletes. They get paid a lot of money for more than just what they do on the field. Part of their job is fielding these questions at press conferences. Those who do that part of the job well win fans for their teams and sympathetic coverage from sports writers. Those who can't control their emotions end up alienating fans and writers. Newton is talented enough as a player that I'm sure the team will gladly take his contribution even though it comes with a side order of petulant child. But I'm sure the whole team would be better off if he could step up and start acting like a professional. That doesn't mean he can't be brash. Shannon Sharpe, for example, was a loudmouth throughout his career. But he was dignified and gracious in defeat.

I'm not a big fan of Cam (I always knew some black men could play quarterback) and I suspect he was guilty of some Reggie Bush-like NCAA violations during his last year at Auburn, but there is still the matter of Peyton's behavior two years ago which, as I remember, was at least as bad. I never played the game in pads, but I suspect dignified and gracious behavior in defeat would be tough to do consistently, given the amount of on-field talk that goes on during the game. I'm always a little surprised when there are no punches thrown after Big Games played with Really Big Mouths on both sides
Edit: I just noticed the video of Manning's behavior two years ago.
I guess I goofed.
I remember watching Manning leave the field without shaking hands with his opponents (I think) Memory does play tricks after 60.(Can't wait for 70)

 

[4/15]

Where were you the past two weeks? Any criticism of Newton's behavior or personality were deemed racist, some calling it an irrational "fear" of Cam. The lefty media made sure to draw attention to his race. And you know damn well they'd be bringing his race into it had he won this Super Bowl.
Did you follow the media hype leading up to the game

No I do not believe in following as I am a leader.

 

[RickWA]

I also thought Newton's behavior was despicable, and immediatley thought of contrast with Wilson (and so many other poised, classy QBs we've seen in recent years speaking after a loss.) Check out Manning's post-game press conference from two years ago -- he'd been not only beaten, but humiliated in an historic fashion by Seattle as the clock on his career ticked down, and yet he stood up, owned up to mistakes, complimented the opponent, answered questions courteously, etc. That's got to be hard as hell -- investing everything you've got all year into one game, getting utterly embarrassed, and still being able to be gracious and professional.

Anyway, I'm glad you mentioned Wilson, since I think there will be a tendency for racists to want to treat Newton's behavior as somehow emblematic of race, rather than just an example of a particular bad individual.

Exactly. To be honest, a big part of why I cited Wilson was to give an example of a QB who happens to also be an African American who demonstrated many great leadership/team mate attributes (full disclosure: also because I am a Seahawk fan).

There are thousands of examples of good (and poor) leadership among the races. It's far from a race issue.

 

[Arkady]

I'm not a big fan of Cam (I always knew some black men could play quarterback) and I suspect he was guilty of some Reggie Bush-like NCAA violations during his last year at Auburn, but there is still the matter of Peyton's behavior two years ago which, as I remember, was at least as bad. I never played the game in pads, but I suspect dignified and gracious behavior in defeat would be tough to do consistently, given the amount of on-field talk that goes on during the game. I'm always a little surprised when there are no punches thrown after Big Games played with Really Big Mouths on both sides
Edit: I just noticed the video of Manning's behavior two years ago.
I guess I goofed.
I remember watching Manning leave the field without shaking hands with his opponents (I think) Memory does play tricks after 60.(Can't wait for 70)

I'd be surprised if Manning left without shaking hands. Maybe Brady. Brady is an incredible QB, but he plays with a real chip on his shoulder that I can see causing him to lapse into unsportsmanlike behavior. Manning, as far as I see, has always been a consummate professional. I never much liked him, because it all seemed to come too damned easily for him, and he kind of had that "Robo QB" thing -- having been trained from birth to be a pro QB. But he won me over in the last three years.... first by handling the defeat in Super Bowl 48 graciously, and then by his professionalism this year when he was benched. It's got to be hard to go from being a record-setting QB two years ago to holding a clipboard for your former under-study, as you watch your last season go by from the sideline. But not only did he support Osweiler fully, and say all the right things in the press, but he kept his head in the game so he was able to return and play at a sufficient level to win it all. Even a trace of unprofessionalism on his part, in that situation, would have ended their season. The locker room would have been torn apart between Osweiler and Manning factions. Instead, the team kept on playing like a team and took home the championship. It may have been, by far, his worst statistical year, but it was his most impressive showing as a professional.

 

[justoffal]

What does Cam Newton being brash or bawdy have to do with race? What does Von Miller trying to help Johnny Manziel have to do with race?

It's the entitlement mentality....it happens to co-exist as a symbiotic social parasite with the race-victim illusion. It's more or less a tell tale symptom of emotional infancy...lack of real world vision and cranial<>rectal insertion.

JO

 

[justoffal]

Exactly. To be honest, a big part of why I cited Wilson was to give an example of a QB who happens to also be an African American who demonstrated many great leadership/team mate attributes (full disclosure: also because I am a Seahawk fan).

There are thousands of examples of good (and poor) leadership among the races. It's far from a race issue.

Yet it is no surprise to find such " Sore sport " traits in one who has been deluded as to victim-hood in the greater auspices of the race baiting scam that pervades North American Black culture. As I stated above to O-Care-for-eternity....it is a symbiotic co-parasite that shares a host mass with other infantile social traits like false racism and skin pimping to be quite blunt about it. It is the smoke that indicates the presence of the fire of ignorance..along with retarded development mentally and emotionally in the general social skills set and the perpetration of total irresponsibility both personally and as a social group. Need I say more?

JO

 

[georgephillip]

I'd be surprised if Manning left without shaking hands. Maybe Brady. Brady is an incredible QB, but he plays with a real chip on his shoulder that I can see causing him to lapse into unsportsmanlike behavior. Manning, as far as I see, has always been a consummate professional. I never much liked him, because it all seemed to come too damned easily for him, and he kind of had that "Robo QB" thing -- having been trained from birth to be a pro QB. But he won me over in the last three years.... first by handling the defeat in Super Bowl 48 graciously, and then by his professionalism this year when he was benched. It's got to be hard to go from being a record-setting QB two years ago to holding a clipboard for your former under-study, as you watch your last season go by from the sideline. But not only did he support Osweiler fully, and say all the right things in the press, but he kept his head in the game so he was able to return and play at a sufficient level to win it all. Even a trace of unprofessionalism on his part, in that situation, would have ended their season. The locker room would have been torn apart between Osweiler and Manning factions. Instead, the team kept on playing like a team and took home the championship. It may have been, by far, his worst statistical year, but it was his most impressive showing as a professional.

Perhaps my problem stems from the number of Super Bowls won by those damn Bronchos?

 

[Lukey]

What does Cam Newton being brash or bawdy have to do with race? What does Von Miller trying to help Johnny Manziel have to do with race?

Cam's? This:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/01/28/nfl-players-reaction-cam-newton-comments/

Von's? Nothing - that's the point!

 

[Lukey]

I said something very similar to my husband about the differences between very young and very talented QB's in Russell Wilson and Cam Newton.

Its obviously a very emotional thing. And, I have seen interviews after the fact with other "greats" like Tom Brady where he doesn't behave much better...but he also epitomizes spoiled and entitled.. himself.. So, this is not Cam Newton alone.. but you are right, the wider picture of society is pretty sad, very sad. I am sad for my children.

connie

Well that's a different issue (maturity, leadership). And also important. But I was singling out how two African American players, on the biggest platform in professional sports, handled the race issue. The African Americans with whom I am friends are the Von Miller type. I don't have any Black friends who, like Newton, pull out the race card every time they face personal adversity.

 

[Lukey]

Does anyone remember Peyton Manning's post-game behavior two years ago? I saw Cam getting bored with some pretty predictable questions before calmly walking away

Yeah, fine. He certainly did nothing in his post-game activities that were designed to quell the storm of criticism he seems to carry with him every where he goes. It's up to him to do that, not those of us who are white and don't like his demeanor. He could have started the healing process with some kind words and a mature attitude. Kind of like how Von acted.