Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel have many similarities. They both were basically the heart and soul of their teams, both had successful first seasons, both won the Heisman Trophy and both drew a considerable amount of media attention.
The difference is how the media has portrayed the two.
Manziel is beginning to get negative attention for the things he has been doing, but it is very mild in comparison to what Cam received.
It is hard to imagine that the hate of Cam by opposing team's fans and the constant abuse from the media could have been any worse than it was during his short time at Auburn. But, what if Cam acted like Manziel has acted since winning the Heisman?
Think about it?
What if Cam tweeted that he could not wait to leave Auburn? What if he decided to take online classes instead of attending classes like a regular student or was seen at major sporting events all over the country on a consistent basis?
Allegations would have come from everywhere, and Paul Finebaum would have been working overtime.
Naysayers would have said he is not really a student, they would have asked who is paying for him to go to these events and would have said he didn't care about Auburn.
But Cam didn't do those things, and as a matter of fact he didn't do anything to raise concern while he was at Auburn, and he still received more criticism than Johnny Football has.
I know Manziel is beginning to take some negativity for the things he did this summer, but it is not nearly as bad as what Cam had to endure and still has to endure.
Analysts said Manziel is just a kid that has been thrown into the spotlight too soon, and implied Cam was just a thug.
Honestly, I understand that Manziel's every move is being watched now, but he has not handled the situation he has been dealt well at all. Nobody appears to be holding him accountable for his actions.
He has made mistake after mistake, but he is still being portrayed as the great "Johnny Football".
However, this could change once the season starts and he has to play Alabama in the second week of the season.
He and Texas A&M are going to learn firsthand that you cannot act like Manziel has acted and expect to compete in the SEC.
Alabama has proven time and time again you can maybe beat them once, but you will not beat it twice.
Not only does the Crimson Tide have a year's worth of film on Manziel, but also he has proven that he has everything on his mind but playing football.
It takes an enormous amount of focus to compete in the SEC, especially when you have a target on your back like Manziel will this coming season.
Cam understood this and stayed out of trouble during his time at Auburn.
Manziel has not learned this yet, but he will once Alabama embarrasses him in front of millions, and his draft status goes way down.
I also do not think Alabama will be the only team to show Manziel the error of his ways this season.
Who knows, an improved Auburn team may show him a thing or two also.
I really do not wish failure on Manziel, but I have been very disappointed in the way he has handled his fame, and I believe he will pay for it this season.
Also, I do not like how some players are given chance after chance after chance and still continue to make stupid mistakes, while other players are thrown under the bus after only one.
This fact will probably never change, and that is very sad.
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