Sports reporters are already saying rookie QB Cam Newton is a fan favorite among the Carolina Panthers faithful. One even wrote, “Cam Newton brings hope—and that is all Panther fans want after witnessing last season.”

Where have I heard that term “hope and change?” How is that working out for ya? Panthers’ fans should learn from American politics that you can’t base your future on hope and change.

I’m not saying Newton isn’t an athletic, exciting player but it seems that fans are buying into all the hype and celebrity. If you’ve read my stuff before you know that I’m not keen on our country’s obsession with celebrity.

Results are what fans should want and it’s too early to know what’s going to happen. It used to be that you earned your way onto a team and worked your way up. Everything is in fast motion these days – partly because of information overload and the addiction for more information. In years gone by, people were patient to see how things would shake out and were more loyal to the older players, even if they are still developing themselves.

But today’s hope and change illusion gives us Cam Newton – a guy who needs a lot of seasoning and personal maturity. I suppose if he starts from game one of the regular season that the Panthers’ progress will be interesting. But if I were coach, I’d start Jimmy Clausen, also highly touted out of college, until Newton is a little more mature. Some humility will help him. However, on the other hand, he’s such a hot dog and so cocksure that a few fumbles or interceptions here or there probably won’t affect him.

Clausen didn’t help his cause with an unforced interception in the first two minutes of the first preseason game – which led some overly excitable fans to start the chant “Cam, Cam, Cam.” Be careful what you ask for – you might get hope and change… and little else.