Cam Newton already being compared to tainted Reggie Bush
Just because Cameron ‘Cam’ Newton might be the most prolific player in college football this season doesn’t necessarily mean that the Auburn Tigers’ quarterback will receive the 2010 Heisman Trophy, the sport’s most coveted individual award. And that decision
may have little or nothing to do with his play on the field.
With the season winding down, Newton has cemented himself as this year’s top Heisman candidate, as has (thus far) led his Tigers to an undefeated 10-0 record, as well as the No. 2 ranking in the most recent BCS (Bowl Championship Series) polls. However, a number
of recent allegations have surfaced surrounding his transfer to Auburn after leaving the University of Florida in 2008.
Chief amongst those rumours was one that pointed to Newton's involvement in academic misconduct and dishonesty at least three times while attending Florida. It also suggests that he and his family sought financial gain from potential suitors following his 2008
decision to transfer schools.
Although his stellar play on the field has propelled him to the top spot in the Heisman conversation, the allegations of improper benefits off of the gridiron have reminded many voters of former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush, who
forfeited his 2005 Heisman Trophy earlier this year.
Without any concrete evidence of wrongdoing in Newton’s case, Heisman voters are simply left to decide for themselves whether or not the QB is worthy of the award. As such, many believe that the play-caller is innocent until proven guilty. However, there are
some out there who are skeptical about Newton’s character, as well as his eligibility.
"I have very serious concerns about what I’m hearing," Bill Cole of the Winston-Salem
Journal (North Carolina) said, according to The Associated Press. "At this point, I can’t envision voting for him. One Reggie Bush tainting the Heisman is enough."
Likewise, Kirk Bohls agrees that Newton’s play deserves Heisman consideration, but can’t help thinking about Bush’s transgressions. "I hope I’m like the other 900-plus voters who will judge Newton’s merits on the field and allow these off-the-field matters
to be resolved, hopefully very soon," the writer for the Austin American-Statesman
(Texas) said. "But the ghost of Reggie Bush could haunt Cam’s Heisman chances."
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