Cam Newton being Cam Newton

[strahanfan92]

During an interview in Indianapolis at the NFL combine on Thursday night, an unidentified team cracked the poise former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton tried to display while meeting with the media Saturday, a league source said.

According to the source, an NFL assistant coach questioned Newton about why he disobeyed his coach's orders in the BCS National Championship Game. Newton ran a quarterback sneak toward the end of the game rather than take a knee as he was instructed.

Newton was not expecting the NFL to ask him about the incident and did not have a favorable reaction, according to league sources. He got defensive, sources said.

Asked about the interviews, Newton said, "Each and every team keeps you on your toes."

Before taking a single question during his long-awaited appearance before the media at the NFL scouting combine, Newton attempted to put out a different fire.

In a prepared statement, the former Auburn quarterback tried to clarify a recent comment in which he described himself as "not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon."

Newton noticed the wave of negative reaction and felt he was misunderstood. The Heisman Trophy winner spent his first minute at the podium on Saturday explaining where his focus will be in the future, and later said that he was at fault for being unclear.

"First and foremost, I understand that my obligation is to be the best possible football player I can be," he said. "I know and believe that."

His comment drew such a reaction because some say his swagger teeters on the edge of pure arrogance. In roughly 12 minutes at the podium, he referred to himself in the third person three times. When asked if some mistake his confidence for cockiness, he said: "I'm not sure, but I'm a confident person, and it was instilled in myself at an early age to believe in myself."

Controversy, it seems, follows Newton.

Cam has said his relationship with his father is good, months after a controversy involving Cecil called Cam's eligibility at Auburn into question.

The NCAA ruled in December that Cam was unaware of the pay-for-play scheme created by Cecil and the owner of a scouting service. Cecil Newton and Kenny Rogers -- a former Mississippi State player who worked for an agent -- sought money for the quarterback to play for the Bulldogs.

Newton said Saturday at the NFL scouting combine that the scrutiny helped he and his father become closer.

Newton won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship before declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft.

 

[dave]

Newton only apologized because his handlers saw his draft stock drop like a fucking lightning bolt.

 

[Survivor]

The only thing I learned from that conference was that the kid needs some public speaking lessons. I probably couldn't do any better, but I'm not auditioning for a $50 M contract. After hearing him struggle through the whole thing, I started to giggle when he said something about the "wee nights of the hour".

My 2 cents would be to appreciate his confidence. His energy at least makes him better than Jamarcus Russell was.

 

[Mogriffjr]

Newton only apologized because his handlers saw his draft stock drop like a fucking lightning bolt.

His stock wouldn't have dropped because of that...Gabbert may have helped Newton stay above him.

 

[NAHSTE]

Yeah, this kid is a walking character red flag. God help whichever team drafts him.

 

[SHOGUN]

Watching Cam Newton's press conference honestly felt like I was watching a snake oils salesman. He's got charisma to burn and is hard to dislike, but when you sit back and look at his history and issues you can't help but feel like you're being conned.

 

[Tailback U]

Watching Cam Newton's press conference honestly felt like I was watching a snake oils salesman. He's got charisma to burn and is hard to dislike, but when you sit back and look at his history and issues you can't help but feel like you're being conned.

What exactly has he done that's been so terrible?

You guys act like all college athletes are saints.

 

[SHOGUN]

What exactly has he done that's been so terrible?

You guys act like all college athletes are saints.

I'm not expecting everyone to be perfect, but it's not like he got into an altercation or was at a wrong place at the wrong time. Implication in a cheating scandal and a stolen laptop combined with the possibility of shopping of his talents around in college are pretty notable things especially if that person is expected to be the face of your franchise. I loved him at Auburn and I still really like him as a prospect, but there is just something that is a bit iffy about how he carries himself. I don't think he'll come into the league as a Vaudeville villain and just go crazy, but there is enough to make you question whether what you're seeing from him is genuine.

 

[Tailback U]

I agree with that but I think most college football players probably have some question marks regarding their past. Definitely needs to be considered when drafting a player, especially a top 5 or top 10 pick, so I understand what you're saying.

Thing is, it's not like he is actually going out and getting into fights, beating up his girlfriend, involved in drugs or other serious criminal activity. I would say that stealing laptops is a serious red flag, but he's not the first player to take or try to take money to go to a school.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

KILLLLAAAAAA!!!!

 

[Nukleopatra]

The only thing I learned from that conference was that the kid needs some public speaking lessons. I probably couldn't do any better, but I'm not auditioning for a $50 M contract. After hearing him struggle through the whole thing, I started to giggle when he said something about the "wee nights of the hour".

My 2 cents would be to appreciate his confidence. His energy at least makes him better than Jamarcus Russell was.

He's black - did you expect an IQ over 75?

I'm giggling at your high expectations of yet another fail ass negro trying to play the quarterback position.

 

[NAHSTE]

KILLLLAAAAAA!!!!

He's definitely got computers 'putin.

 

[Acesuper]

If only Quarterbacks could carry themselves with the grace and leadership of Ken Dorsey.

 

[Tailback U]

If only Quarterbacks could carry themselves with the grace and leadership of Ken Dorsey.

Greg McElroy scored a 48/50 on the wonderlic. He is going to be the next Ryan Fitzpatrick.

 

[Senser81]

What exactly has he done that's been so terrible?

He went to Auburn, so he's obviously borderline retarded.

 

[NAHSTE]

He went to Auburn, so he's obviously borderline retarded.

YOU MAY BE WRONG, BUT I DOUBT IT!

 

[ralaw]

IMO Newton's biggest problem in press conferences is that he enjoys them too much, thus causing him to talk too much......he also is to honest. He should learn the art of the cliche and move on. FOr instance, after his mediocre showing at the combine he went on to blame the lesser talented WRs....even if he believes that to be true you don't say that. He really just doesn't have a clue on how to carry himself and he needs to understand that everyone doesn't love Cammy Cam as much as he does.