Reality Check.

I usually try not to get involved in football trash talking. I'll be the first to tell you that I don't know enough about the rules and regulations of football to back myself up in an argument. I can't tell you how many times Alabama's been number one versus how many times Auburn's been number one, and I would struggle to talk about either team prior to 2005.

This week-- yesterday, specifically-- our little corner of the Southeast Conference was rocked by news of a so-called NCAA investigation into Cam Newton and his family. I was glad to see the Auburn Family unite and stand together immediately-- really, it gives me chills to think about this special group of people-- but I was equally horrified to see how many people were absolutely giddy to see this happen to a man, a YOUNG man.

I won't lie or pretend to be innocent: I would have trouble stifling my grin if news broke that Greg McElroy were in trouble. But I can say with conviction that I would never stoop to the trash talking as seen on Facebook and in the media. Because Greg, like Cam, is a real person, not just the face of a football team.

When Tim Tebow was on top, it was the same thing. People love to see the mighty fall. Tim Tebow was an outspoken Christian who lived his Christianity out loud and unashamedly, and I frequently listened to fellow Christians belittle him, claiming he was "too good to be true" or that he had "won enough." What is it about the human race that truly can't stand to see others rise above the norm? What a witness Tim Tebow was! Can you imagine how many people looked up those Bible verses he wrote weekly on his face (I'm sure those black stripes have a name, but you know what I'm talking about)? But no, I'm sure he was really a grade-A dirtbag who beat his girlfriend when he got black-out drunk...

**that was sarcasm**

Pardon the detour, but I think Cam is a similar-- but not identical-- situation. Here's a kid (KID) who has messed up in the past and gone on to live an incredible story of redemption. He was given a second chance, and he has earned his stripes on the football field and off. He may never live down his (big) mistake at Florida, but leading an undefeated SEC team is a step in the right direction. And on top of that, he's a genuine nice guy. Why can't we cheer for the nice guy instead of hoping it's all a farce?

Football is a game, albeit a game that I love and that consumes my Saturdays from August to November (and hopefully beyond). But the bottom line is, it's a game. And it's players are real: real people, real kids-- and at risk of being overly corny-- with real feelings.

So to those of you who so dearly want to see a guy in the prime of his life fail, shame on you. Get a hobby. Pick on someone your own size (because I bet you won't pick on Cam face-to-face). And Cam, shake them haters off, big guy.