Cam Newton, the unlikely voice that college football may actually need, leads to a perception change that resonates through the sport.
Cam Newton, Voice of the Masses
When you think about leaders of a movement, Newton doesn’t really jump to mind. The Heisman winner and NFL Most Valuable Player uses his national podcast platform to discuss his thoughts. According to motorcyclesports.net, Newton leads the charge as a game changer, commenting:
“His commentary challenged traditional notions of authority and established a precedent for athletes to confidently assert their rights and perspectives. This intervention not only addressed immediate concerns but also underscored a commitment to a fairer, more transparent collegiate sports ecosystem.”
Smart Counterpoint
Newton took aim at Georgia Head Football Coach Kirby Smart and his comments regarding coaching. Smart, looking between a mix of tired and frustrated, bemoaned the attitudes of players, stating:
“We got a lot of guys to put their hands up—they’re offended when you coach them,” Smart said. “I’m not talking about the freshmen. I’m talking about in general.”
From far outside of Athens, Smart seems worried about the shifting landscape in which college head coaches have lost the ability to act like dictators. Instead, players can jump into the portal and depart.
In addition, Smart’s comments seem to rationalize how his Bulldogs, once feared, retreated from the dominant spot in FBS football. Newton agreed with to coach to an extent, relying on his 4th and 1 Podcast:
“Because this is the thing that coaches need time for, and that’s to implement their formula.” He wasn’t defending players who reject coaching but rather pointing out the need for patience. “No matter who you are, no matter who’s your coach’s caveat, you still need time to implement your formula for your players to buy in.”
This puts the conversation in a far different position, but the sentiment sticks. Granted, coaches need patience and time for players to improve and buy in.
Smart and the Changing Tide
Newton, from the standpoint of a former player that coaches his you team, can see parallels in what the Georgia head coach means. At the same time, he doesn’t see an end to the new normal, as he continued on his podcast.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re Kirby Smart, doesn’t matter if you’re Dabo Swinney, doesn’t matter if you’re Mike Krzyzewski, it doesn’t matter who you are, bro. You need good players to understand what they’re supposed to do so that they can take their good skill and play faster, which makes them great.”
“Sport is always and will always be about who reacts faster,” Newton continued. “It’s a game of inches, or it’s a game of seconds. It’s a game of reacting faster than the next person.”
Once upon a time, Smart controlled his program with an iron fist. Players stayed loyal to UGA, primarily leaving for the NFL and not the transfer portal. He misses that order and regimen. By the same token, Smart seems to miss controlling his team on the field. Meanwhile, University of Georgia football plate
Talking from Both Sides
When you look at Smart dismissing his players for a lack of self-control, can’t help to view it through a side eye. It remains a chore to fully understand a coach’s lament player accountability when those same athletes rack up arrests left, right, and center. Since 2023, UGA football earned six arrests and the responsibility for the deaths of three individuals.
Now, if Swinney or Ryan Day makes the same assertions about his players, people would listen. However, the inconsistencies of where Smart focuses his anger derails his argument. Additionally, Smart mentioned his role or lack thereof in the poaching of players, stating:
“I’ve been invited to those calls,” Smart said. “I don’t get involved because I don’t wanna see one of my own players getting shopped.”
Overview
With all honesty, the modern player enjoys all of the rights that their predecessors didn’t. Newton sees the change and wants to link the past and the present. Old school coaches like Smart need to catch up rapidly or get left behind.
KEEP READING: Cam Newton Calls Travis Hunter a ‘Generational Talent’ Linked to Tennessee Titans
Day and Dan Lanning made strides and even won a national title with a progressive approach. Dwelling on player arrivals/departures looks like a waste of time.
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