Pryor vs. Newton: There’s no comparison by The Sports Network

The controversial quarterback made what had been the worst kept secret in the professional football world official with Tuesday’s announcement that he’ll be entering the NFL Supplemental Draft. Pryor’s addition gives the usually-blase event a shot of sizzle it hasn’t experienced since the famed 1987 version that featured renegade Oklahoma linebacker-turned action movie star Brian Bosworth and future perennial Pro Bowl receiver Cris Carter, himself a former Buckeye with a collegiate career cut short by scandal.

In another of his classic Bob Sugar moments, Pryor’s agent Drew Rosenhaus boisterously proclaimed that his new client will make an impact on a similarly stratospheric level as that of Carter when the master overstater spoke during Tuesday’s press conference. However, the early critical reviews on Pryor’s decision to dive right into the NFL waters have been more akin to one of the box office flops that followed Bosworth’s equally disappointing pro tenure.

Naturally, the 6-foot-6, 235-pound Pryor has drawn comparisons to reigning Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s traditional Draft, for his prototype size and a rare blend of athletic gifts that have given both the equally uncommon ability to produce positive results when the play breaks down. And when factoring in that Pryor was a successful three-year starter at college football’s highest level and attempted well over twice as many passes as Newton during the ex-Auburn sensation’s one incredible season with the Tigers, it would appear NFL teams would be salivating over the opportunity to acquire such a prized commodity.

So why is it that Pryor’s prospective employer will likely spend nothing more than a fifth-round pick on him when the Supplemental Draft eventually takes place, and will be hesitant to even make an investment of that modest standard?

In short, it simply comes down to accountability.

Now that’s an ironic idea, mind you, especially when Newton had to endure a two-month barrage of questions pertaining to his own myriad of character and maturity concerns (including a few from this writer) before the Carolina Panthers became comfortable with making him the face of the sagging franchise. It’s hard to recollect an incoming rookie that faced the intense amount of scrutiny Newton did prior to the draft, and to his credit, the charismatic youngster has shown a willingness to take all the criticism head on during both the draft process and his brief time as a locked-out and unsigned player.

Pryor, on the other hand, has repeatedly attempted to dodge all the issues that led up to his NCAA suspension and eventual exodus from Ohio State in much the same fashion as he did to opposing defenders, only without the same results. His behavior during and after the Ohio State scandal has done nothing but reinforce scouts’ initial perception of a me-first player who was routinely coddled and protected by Jim Tressel and his staff. And when his No. 1 enabler was let go in the aftermath of the Buckeyes’ firestorm, Pryor bailed out even faster than when trying to elude an oncoming rusher.

League executives have no doubt taken notice of that lack of leadership and avoidance of adversity, two traits that are essential to becoming an effective NFL quarterback, and Pryor’s reported reluctance to consider a position change and swift dismissal of utilizing alternative avenues such as the CFL and UFL as a means to boost his sagging stock probably haven’t won over any personnel directors either.

And that’s really a shame, not to mention a short-sighted approach, as Pryor could be missing out on a golden opportunity to prove himself both as a quarterback and a leader by playing in one of those lesser leagues.

Sure, maybe the salary would amount to a pay cut from the somewhat lucrative memorabilia operation he was allegedly a part of while with the Buckeyes, and the tattoo parlors in Regina or Omaha may not offer the same perks as those in Columbus. It’s still a scenario with potentially high rewards, as performing well in the UFL and CFL would almost certainly enhance Pryor’s present market value and as a free agent, he’d have much more of a say in his NFL destination than the Supplemental Draft would provide.

It also wouldn’t hurt if Pryor took a few notes on how Newton’s conducted himself during the infant stages of his pro career. Also saddled with the dreaded diva tag while making the rounds on the workout circuit, the new Panther has by all accounts taken significant steps towards removing that label by displaying a hungry and humble attitude at Carolina’s informal workout sessions, which has in turn made a very positive first impression on his veteran teammates.

Newton’s detractors may view that tact as merely window dressing, an elaborate con job by someone who’s been characterized as a bit of a schemer during a checkered journey to the pros. I say it’s more an indication of a player who’s emphatically determined to prove all the skeptics wrong, using those cynical assessments as a motivating fuel to help achieve those goals.

Only time will tell which one of us are right.

In the meantime, Pryor will call upon Rosenhaus to employ all of his carnival- barking powers to bring about some damage control to an image that’s clearly in some need of repair. It may just be the latest instance of poor judgement for a young man who’s making a troubling habit of bad decisions.

GOOD DEEDS DUNN

With all the negative publicity that this unusual and turbulent NFL offseason has generated, it’s refreshing to hear some feel-good piece of news like the recent story involving Kansas City Chiefs tight end Leonard Pope.

For those who don’t know, Pope rescued six-year-old Bryson Moore from drowning in a swimming pool in his hometown of Americus, Ga. this past weekend. The five-year pro was attending a birthday party being held for the young boy’s cousin and was reportedly the only person present who knew how to swim.

Pope’s heroic act also highlighted a rare positive effect of the lockout, considering he would likely have been in Kansas City attending a minicamp or team training activity at this time had the current work stoppage had not been in place. More importantly, it’s a perfect rebuttal to the popular notion that NFL players predominantly spend their free time and money partying in clubs or partaking in various illegal substances, a conception us members of the media have done our best to help foster.

While the disgraceful exploits of Michael Vick and Pacman Jones have grabbed headlines in the past, there’s usually little mention of deeds like Pope’s or that of former NFL running back Warrick Dunn, one of the league’s all-time good guys. The former Buccaneer and Falcon was recently named the recipient of the 39th annual Jefferson Award, one of the most prestigious honors for community service and volunteerism in the United States.

Dunn was chosen as the nation’s Outstanding Athlete in Service and Philanthropy for his numerous charity endeavors throughout the years. His Warrick Dunn Foundation and Homes for the Holidays program has helped provide households for more than 100 single-parent families in four Southeast cities, while contributing over $2 million in home furnishings as well.

The 36-year-old Dunn also owns a minority interest in the Atlanta Falcons, offering another positive example to a player community of which several current members have presumably had their financial means put to the test by the labor impasse.

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