Cam Newton: Warren Moon Comments About Racial Motivation in Criticism Is Harmful

It is understandable when former and current players and/or football personnel question the validity of an argument because of the racial bias it may hold.

In no way has the color line in America been erased, and there are players that are dealing with the discrimination that comes with having a slightly darker skin tone—including Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

Therefore, I will not dismiss claims that Warren Moon sculpted in saying that the comments often made about Newton’s disingenuous personality and ill character are racially motivated. However, in a lot of instances, Newton has placed some of the criticism he is receiving onto himself.

The entertainer and icon statement that he made was badly constructed for a few reasons. It was prepared; therefore, media representatives and scouts alike realized that there was thought put behind those words. This caused a little more of an uproar than it would have if he were simply answering a few postgame or post-workout questions.

NFL franchises do need to put a little question and search into obtaining Cam Newton information because he does have a spotty past. Occurrences at Auburn University, as well as Florida when he attended, could be viewed as character conflicts that some teams may not want to be boggled down by.

You have to consider the fact that they are investing millions of dollars in a player that they have only just been introduced to. Everything should and will be questioned.

Moon’s comments are just going to hurt Cam Newton in the long run—not because of the controversial stir it has already created, however. In a situation where there is merit behind the points made against drafting the quarterback at a top 10 position—such as mechanics and accuracy—playing the race card could be looked at as a cop-out.

There is already enough commotion and drama in the league without another player who will seemingly be on his soapbox every time someone makes a comment that is not in his favor. Warren Moon may be viewing his past and relating it to Cam Newton’s, but that should not be the case.

Newton has had his own journey, which included a few alleged misjudgments on his part.

As harsh as the media may be at times, Newton needs to battle through the brigade by proving people wrong. Moon cannot place the things he faced trying to become a household name in the professional league on Cam’s back. They are not the same.