A 'Class' of Their Own

At season's end, both Alabama and Auburn may have the opportunity to boast a Heisman winner for the new millennium. Mark Ingram had his time in the spotlight last year in a close Heisman race. Cam Newton, disbarring any NCAA interference, is on his way to an undisputed Heisman. While these two athletes were the best in the country their respective years, there is one key element that separates these players, their programs, and the future of said programs.

That element is character. Character is defined as containing honesty, courage, and integrity also encompassed by one's reputation. Through dissecting this football season, clear differences can be seen between the two in-state rivals.

If character is encompassed by reputation, should I even begin with the Cam Newton? Everyone is aware of the laptop incident, the alleged academic scandal, and the alleged pay-for-play scheme. Reputation is an outward characteristic. It is the perception of the masses. Whether or not Cam is innocent, his reputation is forever stained.

Take for example, Michael Vick. Although he has successfully overcome his life's problems, the stain of the dog-fighting scandal will forever follow him as well as his reputation. Reputation takes a lifetime to build but one second to destroy. Newton has returned for seconds as well as thirds in the line for destruction, and no amount of innocence will ever alleviate these 'ghosts.'



I have been reprimanded before by Barners on comments about their beloved Newton. They have informed me that Cam Newton does all for the greater good of pleasing Christ. Well, I am not one to judge the moral character of individuals, but I see nothing of that through his on-the-field actions.

I saw no such actions as Newton stood in the student section following the Auburn victories. Arms spread, smiling widely Newton soaked in the worship of the adoring fans. Newton knows that he is Auburn's 'god.' Newton knows that this is his team. As the Auburn faithful fight to grope him, the interaction breeds no mindset of a greater good. Instead, it breeds the mindset of 'I'm the good.' The signs of ‘Yes We Cam’ breed that he is the savior for a downtrodden program.

Newton’s self-gratifying mock of the Alabama student section following the Iron Bowl was also very tasteful. Hand over mouth, Newton flew down the field letting the sign for silence talk for him or perhaps explain his take on where the money is. Along with Nick Fairley, Ryan Pugh, and whoever the non-starters were involved in the cutthroat motions, they combine to further Auburn’s stain.



Of course, this all relates back to the coach. A coach is supposed to win games which Gene Chizik has done. At the same time, a coach needs to be the mentor that develops his players into not only exceptional athletes but also exceptional individuals. With the growing obnoxiousness and arrogance of the Auburn players, Chizik is slowly losing control.

A prime example is Fairley. Fairley has grown into an exceptional athlete, but, as an individual, he would be exceptional only as Toomer’s Corner décor in its intended purpose. His downright filthy play has not only cost Auburn in the form of suspensions but has also cost the integrity of the game as well as other player’s health. He is the figurehead of the Auburn defense, and it is about as attractive as the right side of Harvey Dent’s post-combusted face.

The environment slowly growing is one of indulgence and self-gratitude. It is indulgence of making every play a spotlight and centering it upon themselves. Coaches, such as receivers coach Trooper Taylor, are joining in the pompous festivities as well which has an effect on how Auburn receivers react to big plays. Every defensive tackle for loss or swat becomes a spectacle as seen with Fairley on Saturday and the secondary on the year. It is easy to see why they are becoming as hated as the Miami ‘U’ of the late 80s, early 90s.

Where bad player reputation meets unsportsmanlike play meets showmanship is where Auburn now stands. It is amazing that the Alabama players never join the student section or band in the wallowing of a victory. It is amazing how the perception of Mark Ingram and Cam Newton are so vastly different. It is amazing how the quarterback of one school was a finalist for the Rhodes scholarship, while the rival quarterback was being investigated by the FBI.

If the NCAA does not give Auburn the death penalty, expect that lack of discipline will ultimately be the downfall. Chizik, just remember to ask ‘What Would Saban Do?’ As for Cam, just remember to ask ‘What Would Tebow Do?’