Thursday, September 29, 2011

Cam Newton, Jon Gruden and the "36" controversy

I wrote my column today on Jon Gruden's views about Cam Newton and devoted a large part of it to the controversy of the "36" -- that refers to a video segment with Gruden and Newton from a pre-draft show this past April. The video is worth watching, at least the first minute of it, to show you what we're talking about if you didn't see it originally.

Gruden had asked Newton for the show to give him a playcall used at Auburn, presenting him with a 20-syllable NFL call first to show an example of what an NFL quarterback might say in the huddle.

Newton struggled for an answer before coming up with "36," which fed the doubters who thought Newton wasn't smart enough to play NFL quarterback.

Gruden said Wednesday he wanted to "squash" that notion right now and that he was sorry if his interview with Newton had fed into it. He also said a lot of complimentary things about Newton -- again, here's the column link.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I watch those Gruden interviews he spends alot of time trying his best to expose those kids, and for the most part its pretty silly, he kissed Tebows butt and tried to destroy Cam and McCoy and we see how that worked out......

Anonymous said...

Gruden just tries to put the newbies in an awkward position to make them think on their feet. He tries to put them in a mindset of what they will have to face in the NFL versus college. Its for show but close to reality as Gruden can get it. No harm, no foul. Get over it Cam haters.

Anonymous said...

What I'm trying to figure out is why this piece was even written. The interview was obviously done as a time filler at a time when there was no NFL news because of the lockout. Cam Newton was so preoccupied with seeing everyone and making the right impression, I'd bet he didn't even know what day of the week it was. Besides, Newton has already proven that he was worthy of the faith the Panthers placed in him. The rest of the season may well go down the dumper but it won't all be all Newton's fault, there are 52 other men on that team and it takes all 53 to win ballgames. Thus far, Newton is holding up his end nicely. He certainly did justify the Panther's choice against one of the players the panthers were also considering for that top draft pick in the game last Sunday.

Anonymous said...

Why are you posting this again Scott? This is old news. Can the Observer not find any better sports columnist?

Damp proofing services said...

May be this is an old news. But I would appreciate it as I missed the video you have posted. Thanks for sharing

Runescape Gold said...

The reason for offering this again Scott? This can be previous media. Could the actual Onlooker not really discover any better sports activities columnist?