By Mary Paoletti
CSNNE.com
Apparently, Cam Newton is worth 100,000-180,000. To his father. That's the sum that Cecil Newton asked of Mississippi State recruiters -- coaches who said they quickly slapped on ear muffs when Cecil jacked the arm on the cash register.
The NCAA, ESPN, and acronyms around the country are unsurprisingly concerned, but I wonder about Cam. How does he feel about that number? I mean, it's a decent amount of green for a college-bound kid. It's not like his dad offered to hand him over for half a Hot Pocket and a Playboy.
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I asked my dad what he would do.
Me: "Hey, dad.... If I was a highly touted college recruit, how much money would you ask my collegiate suitors for?"
My father: Pause "You're priceless."
Me: Sobs uncontrollably
Once I collected myself I took a poll of a couple of other dads in my office.
Father of a 10.5 month old: "I don't know.... I couldn't do that."
Father of a teen: "Depends on what sport."
Eh. Nobody likes teenagers anyway.
But I don't think that was Pastor Cecil Newton's motivation. Can't really say what it is, exactly. Money? Duh. But after ducking phone calls from Sallie Mae (U-C-O-N-N! UCONN! UCONN! U-ouu want HOW much money for my English degree?!) for a few months now, I'm starting to understand how stifling the adult financial burden can be.
This is not an excuse for the elder Newton slapping a price tag on his son's derriere so decisively. This guy is no Father of the Year candidate. I'll just never say that I know exactly how I'd play a situation unless it actually happened to me.
Especially if it involves college football.