My current facebook status is: Dear Roger Goodell- I know it's the middle of your football season, but if you could make a call to the NCAA about their priority level of player misconduct, I'd really appreciate it. See Lamichael James (assault against girlfriend) and Justin Blackman (DUI). Thanks. Love, Heather P.S. RTR.
Here's what won't fit in my facebook status.
I am neither an Auburn fan nor am I an Auburn hater. I am an Alabama fan because I am my father's child and the glory days of Bear Bryant run through my veins. I am not an Auburn fan because, being Alabama born and bred, I must pick one or the other, and therefore I wear red on Saturdays. While I have no over and abounding love for Auburn, I also have no hate. Auburn University has given my father a job and my best friend a scholarship to pursue her dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer and saved the life of one of the best dogs I have ever known.
Having made my loyalties known, the allegations surrounding Cam Newton are, at best, heresay. At this point and time I believe all this to be the work of bottom-feeding journalists, looking out for themselves, their reputation, and their jobs over the ability of a child to play football because it makes him happy and gives him opportunities that he may not otherwise have. I place most journalists on the same evolution level as defense attorneys and car mechanics, just slightly above Biblical tax collectors. However, if these allegations prove to be true and his eligibility to play at Auburn is under question under the current rules of the NCAA, then I am for consequences. I believe that the boys of fall are boys still and must learn that there are consequences for their actions. Unfortunately these normal adolescent mishaps are in the spotlight unknown to most 20 year old young men, but it is the price they pay for having 6 year old boys wear their number.
That being said, the punishment should fit the crime and if the NCAA stays consistent, Cam Newton should write a letter of apology in the locker room before the Iron Bowl. I am horrified at how the NCAA has handled the actual completion of crimes against others by current college football players. Lamichael James, a running back for Oregon, was charged and convicted of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend for grabbing her by the neck and pushing her up against a wall. His punishment was suspension from one game. Justin Blackmon, a receiver for Oklahoma State, was arrested for DUI while driving 92 mph while leaving an NFL game. His punishment was also a one game suspension and a place as a Heisman candidate.
The NCAA seems to be more concerned with their relationship with the NFL and their image than actually treating these young men, their teams, their coaches, and their fans with respect and fairness. I could care less what happens with Cam Newton as long as there is justice saturated in the outcome. At this point and time, I watch news reports update every two hours and the NCAA has yet to make a statement. Take your time, please, and meditate fully on how you will handle a young man's future, and make a stand on whether you'll place the crime of accepting money to play above the safety of others. In the meantime, war eagle.
