"Scandal" Star Kerry Washington on Oprah's Next Chapter

On Sunday night, Oprah Winfrey visited the set of my FAVORITE show right now Scandal and interviewed it's star Kerry Washington, as well as it's creator Shonda Rhimes and the inspiration behind the character of Olivia Pope, real-life "fixer" Judy Smith.

Washington is the first African-American woman to star in a primetime scripted TV drama on a major network in over 30 years.

Let me just say that this show is LIFE to me: not only does it have intense plot lines from week to week but it has some of the most complex characters that I've ever seen. Olivia Pope is able to fix everyone else's problems but that is complicated by her steamy love affair with President Fitzgerald Grant. Their INTENSE chemistry and the overwhelming complications that arise (he's the President, and married with children) make for AWESOME TV. It's hard to root for the mistress in any situation but I really do think that Liv and Fitz have a GREAT love, no matter how complicated.

I was happy to hear that Washington was not met with absolute jealousy and hate when she was given the part over other black actresses and she gives some great insight:

Sometimes we buy into this myth of competition that comes from the myth of a lack: that if  I succeed, someone else can't. 

Shonda Rhimes talked about being a successful TV mogul as well as a single mother to 2 young girls. Scandal is her third hit show in a row for ABC, after Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. She said that she had to take her flagship show back from her fans because they were starting to dictate how they wanted the show to go through social media instead of her as the creator. Judy Smith also talked about her experience as a White House press secretary and becoming a fixer.

Here is a clip where Washington talked about her groundbreaking role as Olivia Pope:

Ms. Washington Goes to Washington

For the first time in almost four decades, an African-American actress has landed the lead role on a primetime television series. Oprah travels to the set of this show, ABC's hit drama Scandal, to talk with the show's star, Kerry Washington. Watch as Kerry reveals why she had no idea her character, Olivia Pope, would be so momentous.

RHOA S5 E6: Phaedra Shuts Kenya Down...QUICK

Now that Kim Zolsiac is officially done with Real Housewives of Atlanta, the rest of the girls were able to leave the drama in the ATL and take a romantic couples trip to Anguilla that Peter has set up. Since Kim and Kroy won't be attending, that left the door open for Kenya Moore (who invited herself) and Walter to join them as well as Porsha Stewart and her husband Kordell. 

First, Kandi Burruss discussed the trip and her relationship with her mother, Joyce. She says that she actually likes Todd, which surprised Kandi because Joyce doesn't always like the men she likes. Then, Cynthia Bailey went to dinner with her husband Peter and were joined by Porsha. She invites them to come on the trip to Anguilla.

Time to go to Anguilla: They all met up at the airport where Kandi was surprised by Todd who she thought could not come. After the plane ride, they got on a boat to get to the island and Kenya decided to drive the boat. Yes, it seemed fun but it didn't help my assumption that she's crazy. She did throw a shot at the other women, yelling "Hold onto your weaves" because she's the only one with her natural hair.

When they arrive, Kenya gets mad that she is put in a smaller room, but she should be grateful that she is even there since NO ONE invited her. She also started pressuring Walter about proposing while in Anguilla, mentioning that there was a diamond store nearby.

Phaedra and Apollo have a funny conversations about the cleanliness of hot tubs, Cynthia and Peter discuss romance on this their second honeymoon, and Nene and Gregg show a rekindling relationship. Later, all the couples meet up by the pool but most of them just want to chill for the night. Apollo comes out with his swimsuit on and Kenya pushes him in the pool. She was CLEARLY flirting with him as he picked her up and jumped in the pool with her in his arms. She better watch out...Phaedra's a "southern belle" but she might CUT her!

The next day, Phaedra pulls out the thong swimsuit that was perfectly situated onto her "donkey booty". She was showing Kenya that there was NO competition or worries of losing Apollo. The couples explore the island and Kandi has an interesting conversation over dinner with Todd about what alcohol does to her where they enjoy a drink called "F--- Me Sideways".

Later, they have a fun night that included dancing from an Anguilla dance group and they decide to join in. Kenya continues to flirt with every man in sight because she's "trying to get a rise out of Walter" but if he is REALLY your man, then you don't have to make him jealous. Then she asks a completely OUT-OF-LINE question about who she would allow to have sex with Apollo for a birthday present. Phaedra FINALLY tells her to back up, saying "Go on with that bull----". I'm happy that Phaedra spoke up because that was TOO FAR.

Here's a clip from next week's episode when someone gets married (or remarried or renews vows) and things get testy again between Porsha and Kenya:

~Elle Shanice~ APPROVED ✔: Tamar Braxton "Love and War"

The highly-anticipated first single from WeTV reality star Tamar Braxton was released on iTunes today. "Love and War" is a ballad that was first heard on her hit show Tamar and Vince and I think that it will be a HIT.

One of the plot lines of this season was when Tamar's album would be released. It's been 12 years since her 1st solo album and Tamar makes it known that she's done with "doo-wop-bop-bopping" behind her older sister Toni Braxton and is ready to be a STAR.

I genuinely like Tamar and her show because just like my girl Nene Leakes, she's funny and crazy and says what she means. I was waiting to hear the finished product to this song since I heard it on the show and I think it is a great choice for a single. The lyrics are powerful and will bring her a lot of fans because they will be able to relate:

We stay on the front lines, but we’re still here after the ball drops

We go so hard, we lose control The fire starts, then we explode 

When the smoke clears, we dry the tears 

Only in love and war

Some of the initial reaction to the song is that it sounds a lot like Toni Braxton, and that the cover for the single resembles her as well. I'm one of the BIGGEST Toni Braxton fans so I know her voice and you can easily tell the difference between them.

First of all, Toni and Tamar are SISTERS so of course they resemble each other, moreso than any of the other Braxton sisters. Secondly, Tamar sang backup for Toni for YEARS and of course she may sound a little like her but you can definitely tell the difference if you really LISTEN.

Listen to Tamar Braxton's first single, "Love and War" below:

RHOA S5 E5: Kim Lies...Then Leaves

The DRAMA was on FULL BLAST on the 5th episode of season 5 of Real Housewives of Atlanta and it led to Kim's abrupt departure from the lunch and maybe even the show...

We find Phaedra Parks and her husband Apollo on a double date with Kenya Moore and her boyfriend Walter. Kenya immediately starts flirting with Apollo, talking about his "bulging muscles" which Phaedra finds unacceptable (I would TOO...I don't want ANY woman flirting with MY man). They then talk business about Kenya possibly producing their "donkey booty" workout tape.

Next, Nene Leakes and husband-or-ex-husband Gregg meet over Cynthia Bailey's house to discuss a couple's trip to Anguilla. Peter discusses his plan to have he and Cynthia to renew their vows on the beach. After the fiasco with her mom and sister hiding the marriage certificate, it would be great for them to make a new and happy memory together. 

Porsha Stewart visits a fertility clinic with her husband Kordell, and we find out that she had a miscarriage six months ago. It was great to get to know her on personal level and see a vulnerable side to her. She REALLY wants to have twins and they have a funny conversation about how to do it (eating yams, family history, etc.) Fortunately, they will be able to try again for a family in a month. 

Kandi Burruss has lunch with Cynthia and they talk about the Anguilla trip. Kandi says thay Todd may not want to come because the group is DRAMA (but that DRAMA paid your bills when you worked on the show SMH). They also discuss Nene and Kandi thinks she has motives behind her friendships. I think that Kandi keeps stuff going to stay relevant on the show because her career is now based off of it. 

Nene and Cynthia meet Porsha at her late uncle's home to discuss working for her foundation. They  also discuss Kenya's behavior at their events. Somewhere else in Atlanta, Kandi and Phaedra shop and talk about kegal balls...and Kandi says to invite Kenya to the lunch, KNOWING that her and Cynthia fell out (keeping stuff going again).

Then the ISH hit the fan at the lunch to discuss the Anguilla trip. Phaedra brings flowers and makes amends with Cynthia about what she said on the butt-dial message. Everything seems peaceful until a very-pregnant Kim arrives. First, she says she can come, then turns around and says she can't because her doctor said, then she said that her and Kroy were going on a trip the same week. She brings up a plethora of excuses, like "you can't travel at 28 weeks pregnant" and "Kroy is at camp", which may all be true but she should have just said "I don't wanna go with y'all". 

The ladies bring up their busy schedules and how they made plans to accomodate her. Phaedra brings up the point that she doesn't have time for her girlfriends Kim bluntly says "I really don't". They quickly realize that Kim does not care anymore. When Kim gets caught in the lies, she abruptly says "I'm done with this whole thing", leaves and doesn't want the cameras to follow her. 

Next episode, the ladies go to Anguilla and Phaedra might have to put Kenya in check about flirting with Apollo. Check out the preview:

RHOA S5 E4: Phaedra Gets Caught Red "Bootied"

Sorry that I missed last week's episode but I'm back with a recap of episode 4 of Real Housewives of Atlanta: 

This episode began with the conclusion to Kim's moving/eviction fiasco with movers taking the last boxes from the "haunted mansion". She keeps saying, "I can't get out of this house fast enough. She still makes ridiculous comments about movers, her former landlord Kendra, having to move back into the townhouse.

Meanwhile, Kandi talks to her mama Joyce, who apparently thought that she was moving with Kandi in the new houses. She complains about not having enough space in her house but Kandi said she knows older people who have lived in their homes for years and have plenty of room. She then discusses the comments that Kim and Sweetie made about her house and neighborhood. Kandi makes a good point: "At least everyone in my neighborhood OWN their homes" (HA! Kandi SOOOO plays both sides; talks about EVERYBODY SMH)


Phaedra and Apollo take Ayden to get his first haircut for his upcoming 2nd birthday party. Of course Ayden is resistent but Apollo (who is a master barber according to Phaedra) starts on the haircut himself. If he was that good of a barber then they should have just stayed at home and let him cut it. Phaedra talks about the party that she's throwing for Ayden at the Georgia Aquarium, which Apollo thinks is costing too much money and says that Ayden won't remember anyways. This is true, but "everybody knows" that Phaedra throws parties for herself and all she needs is an occasion.



Newest housewife Porsha discusses the blowup she had with Kenya at her charity event last episode with her husband Kordell. She called Kenya "Miss America" and she got offended then left. They had a curbside argument which resulted in Porsha "kicking her out". While I do think that Kenya overreacted and could have handled the situation differently, it's obvious that Porsha is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. She said that Kenya is older and might have low self-esteem (which could very well be true).

Meanwhile, Kenya finally introduces her aunt and family to her boyfriend, Walter. They proceed to grill him and quickly point out the weaknesses in the relationship. However, they decide that they like him. Time for Ayden's birthday party at the Georgia Aquarium. Dwight is in charge of putting it together and as Phaedra says, "We don't plan parties, we coordinate experiences". Kandi comes to the party and Phaedra, Apollo and Ayden arrive accompanied by a drum line and on a train (what this has to do with the aquarium...IDK). During the party, Phaedra gets a call from Kim giving her excuse for not coming to the party. The guests are then treated to a private viewing of the "Dolphin Tales" show.

Meanwhile, Nene and Cynthia have lunch and she tells her about a butt-dial that a friend of hers received from Phaedra about Cynthia. Phaedra says that she didn't give a f*** about Cynthia coming to Ayden's party when she declined. Cynthia said that she would confront her about it. Phaedra and Cynthia go to dinner and she confronts her about what she said. Phaedra of course denies and comments and says she doesn't even recall that situation, but "everybody knows" that Phaedra LIES!!!!!!


Next episode, the girls go on their trip to Anguilla and Nene brings Gregg along to everyone's surprise. Also, Porsha tries to get them involved with the Hosea Williams Foundation, and Kenya begins flirting with Apollo. Then, things blow up a dinner with all the girls which leads to Kim leaving the restaurant (and apparently the show too). Stay tuned for more ~Elle Shanice~ commentary next week. Check out the preview for next week's episode below:

RHOA S5 E2: Kenya Is Doing The MOST

The second episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta season 5 premiered last night and the DRAMA is brewing and about the hit full swing.

Nene Leakes was in the L.A. Pride Parade representing her NBC show “The New Normal”. She was greeted by lots of fans and was very touched by all of the support. Her son Brentt and ex-husband Gregg (who she’s dating again) were there to greet her afterwards.

Kandi Burrus, Kenya Moore and Phaedra Parks met up for a “donkey booty” lunch. They get to know the newest housewife better but soon turn to gossip of course. Kenya discusses the Jet Beauty of the Week fiasco at the Bailey Agency and Phaedra said that she was enjoying her. We’ll see how long that lasts when Kenya tries to push up on Apollo later this season.

Kim Zolsiac and her assistant/slave Sweetie were at it again shading and trying to find a new house to live in. Sweetie brought up the old townhouse as an option since Kim still owns in but she said that it’s not enough space. 

Back to newbie Kenya: her aunt Lori came to visit at her new Atlanta home. They quickly discuss her relationship with boyfriend Walter, who aunt Lori hasn’t met yet, and ex-boyfriend Eric who she liked. Kenya said that she doesn’t want her to scare him away and not meet him until they are engaged (good luck with THAT!!!!!).

Meanwhile, Phaedra brings Nene and Cynthia to the gym to work out. They have hilarious conversation during the workout and make funny comment throughout. When they take a water break, Cynthia brings up that she wants to throw Nene a congratulatory party for all of her success. Nene flips it into an event for successful women in Atlanta. Phaedra asks if Kim is invited and Nene surprisingly said yes. Also, they discussed Kenya and the mess that happened at the Bailey Agency event. Nene gave the line of the night regarding Kenya:

“When was she Miss USA; how long ago was that? This here is 2012.” 

*Side note: That personal trainer Dexter from the Body Sculptor that was working with them was FINE!!!!!

Kroy takes Kim out on a boat for her birthday and gives her the expensive bracelet she wore at their wedding (but they don’t have a house to live in…SIDE EYE)

We met Kenya’s boyfriend Walter and immediately see cracks in their relationship. They have been dating long distance for 2 years and she moved to Atlanta to be closer to him. However, she finds out that he’s asked Kandi out before and quickly gets upset. They seem to go back and forth and that's not healthy for a relationship. They discuss getting married and having children (btw...Kenya is 41????? Miss USA WAS a long time ago huh?). 

Kandi and her boyfriend Todd start renovating their new house which is a work in progress and Phaedra comes by to visit. They discuss Nene being so friendly now and working out with Phaedra which Kandi can't believe. I don't see how Kandi has all this success, a new man and 2 new houses but keeps DRAMA going...SMH

Then came Cynthia's networking party/event for Nene and we see many successful Atlanta women. Kim comes with Sweetie and immediately starts complaining and tries to figure out an excuse to leave before Nene comes. Sweetie starts making her little side comments again too (she needs to be slapped). Nene runs into them and tries her best to be nice but Kim leaves anyways. 

While Cynthia was speaking to the crowd in support of Nene, Kenya starts talking during the speech saying she would throw her friends parties too. THEN she took another microphone and made her own speech (AGAIN) that began with:

Enough with the clown show, I know that this is Cynthia's event BUT...

After that, she pulled Nene aside and said she wants to be friends despite the tension with Cynthia but Cynthia came over and confronted her. She needs to either beat Kenya's behind or tell her off & NOT in a nice way...

Next week, we will FINALLY see Porsha (my namesake) join the cast and immediately argue with Kenya...this should be GOOD!!!!! Here's a preview:

~Elle Shanice~ APPROVED ✔: Brandy "Two Eleven"

Brandy is back after a four-year hiatus with her new album, Two Eleven, which has reached as high as #3 on the Billboard 200 & #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts.

This is somewhat of a new sound for Brandy without losing her signature style of singing. She has a wide range of topics in these songs, from love to break ups to self-esteem.

"Wildest Dreams" is the latest single from the album and the first song on it. It is obviously talking about her relationship with boyfriend Ryan Press & it's great to see and hear her in love again. It's inspiring for all us girls (like myself) who just want someone real to love them for who they are.

Some of my other favorites from the album include "Slower", which instructs a guy to slow down & take his time on a romantic evening. Also, "No Such Thing As Too Late" talks about being in LOVE with someone who is worth it BEFORE you lay with them. It's refreshing to hear this in a song, especially in a genre geared towards "taking clothes off.

"Without You", "Hardly Breathing", & "Scared of Beautiful" are just three more songs that showcase Brandy's vocal ability, which I've always said was one of the best in the industry.

Of course, the first single was "Put It Down" featuring Chris Brown & turned out to be a hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

I'm glad that Brandy is back to singing because as a BIG fan I know she's been through a lot the past few years. I will always support her...She made such hits as "Have You Ever" & "The Boy Is Mine" & don't forget one of the GREATEST show of my childhood...MO to the E to the...MOESHA!!!!

RHOA S5 E1: Kenya is CRAZY & Kim is a Hypocrite

Season 5 of Real Housewives of Atlanta started out with a BANG and there is NO telling the drama that is in store this season. I LOVE the new intro to the show by the way...

Nene Leakes is commuting back and forth from Atlanta to Hollywood, working on her show “The New Normal” and Gregg is steady trying to get her back. I still think that, even though they may be technically divorced, they are still together because they are seen together ALL THE TIME. She was also seen hanging out with “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy where they talked about Obama fundraising dinners with $20,000 plates and even tried to call Tyler Perry (the number she called was disconnected).

 

 Kandi Burruss has a new man in her life, Todd (who used to work production on the show), and they are moving in together. Kandi says that she bought her new house in CASH and it has a guesthouse to go with it but I will come back to this as well…

Kim Zolciak is pregnant again, has hired Sweetie back as her assistant, and is being forced to move out of her mansion by her landlord/decorator for…I don’t really know why. She complains about the quotes from movers to pack up her house and put it in storage but that’s what she gets for flaunting that big house and all of her stuff like she has money. They better move back into that townhouse until they figure it out or she better call Big Poppa again…either one. I will come back to Kim later because she was talking RECKLESS in this episode…

Phaedra Parks is looking to open up her funeral services to animals as well and is seen visiting an animal hospital to learn more about sick and dying animals I guess. We also saw her this episode playing with one-year-old son Ayden (who is just as CUTE as he wants to be).

Cynthia Bailey discussed placing her daughter Noelle from homeschooling into public school with Noelle’s father, Leon (who is just as FINE as ever) & Peter. Noelle wants to go to a regular school and have those high school experiences. She also holds a modeling search for Jet’s Beauty of the Week and enlists newbie Kenya Moore to help but quickly regrets…

Speaking of Kenya Moore, she is the newest cast member and is quickly making her mark on the show, but not in a good way. She is acting really CRAZY already, calling her “security” on one of Cynthia’s employees, Carlton saying, “People are crazy” (takes one to know one).

Also, she was making rude comments about the models (though some should NOT have been at a model search) & was trying to push Cynthia out of her own agency it seems like. At the end of the search, she got up and gave a speech as if HER name was on the front door. Then when Cynthia got up and said something too, she acted like she intimidated Cynthia, but she quickly read her (Cynthia was shading & reading for the GODS this episode and I LOVE it!!!!!).

Going back to Kandi’s house: remember last season when Kim was implied to be a racist because of the “African babies at the orphanage” comments and was mad at Kandi as her “friend” for agreeing with Cynthia? Or on the Miami bus trip when she was SOOOOO offended that Nene called Sweetie her “slave”? Ok…

Well it seems that Kim is a hypocrite because she was heard making racist and bigoted comments about Kandi’s new house and neighborhood when she was given a tour. She said things like, “When I got off the exit to go to Kandi’s house, I immediately locked my doors” suggesting that she would get robbed or mugged in the neighborhood.

Also, when she saw the place where Kandi’s indoor pool would go, she said, “You don’t need sun! If I was black, I’d have an indoor pool too.” Kandi said that the mayor of Atlanta lives around the corner but that didn’t stop Kim from talking reckless as if she is not getting EVICTED and has to move out of her house.

Also, my girl Nene be KNOWING as she tweeted:

Racist comments! I been telling y’all this 4 a while now 

We didn’t see Porsha Stewart at all this episode and she is not featured in the intro to the show. I’m sure she is coming in later, as she is seen getting into it with Kenya on several occasions.

Next episode, Cynthia and Kenya keep their drama going during a congratulatory dinner for Nene Leakes. Of course, Cynthia feels protective of her friend Nene and is mad when Kenya gets close (Isn’t Nene just the center of attention? LOVE IT!!!!! #TeamTALLS) Nene also runs into Kim and Sweetie for the first time in a long time. Stay tuned to ~Elle Shanice~ for full recaps of the Real Housewives of Atlanta season 5 episodes!!!!!

Hold Onto Your Weave: RHOA Season 5 Premieres Sunday

Just one look at the RHOA Season 5 trailer and I let out a few of “Oooooooh”s & “Oh HELL No”s. The ATL housewives are at it again and it looks like this could be the best season yet!

Phaedra Parks is up to her usual entrepreneurial craziness again by making a stun gun, running her funeral home and opening it up to funerals for pets. I thought that this was crazy at first, but as long as people want to pay you to bury their pets, then get your money girl.

Parks is not immune to the drama this season though. Her husband, Apollo, is quoted as saying he doesn’t feel like the same person that he was and wants to have “fun” again

(w/ Kenya)

Kandi Buruss is balancing her business and her love life. She has a new boyfriend and will even go shopping for rings…will she be getting married? Also, she keeps that drama going in her own roundabout way, arguing with Peter about coming to family events and Kim about who knows what.

Nene Leakes has “arrived”…the breakout star of the show is going to be in Hollywood this season and might even be getting back with Gregg (as if they really broke up). She also ran into Kim for the first time in a long time.

I love Cynthia Bailey but I didn’t see her doing much in the preview. I assume that she is still working on her marriage to Peter Thomas, being a mother and model, and promoting her baby, The Bailey Agency.  

Porsha Stewart is married to Cordell Stewart (ex-NFL player) but other than that, I don’t know much about her yet. She celebrates a birthday on an episode, has several fights with fellow newbie Kenya, and maybe bi-polar. We shall see…

Kenya Moore is a Former Miss USA who looks to be as CRAZY as she is beautiful. This season, she makes her mark in several ways: she is pressuring her boyfriend to ”put a ring on it” so she can get pregnant with kids. Then it seems that they hit a rough patch after he allegedly asks Kandi out…

Then she develops a crush on Phaedra’s husband Apollo and says she has feelings for him. They get close on the group’s trip to Anguilla and subsequently asks Phaedra about bringing a friend into the bedroom (which I think is UNCALLED FOR!!!!!). Not to mention that she may be CrAzY, has to take medication, and gets into a tussle with someone…maybe Nene?

Kim Zolciac­­ is pregnant again with 4^th child and 2^nd w/ husband Kroy. Keeping to her ways of keeping drama going to stay relevant, she has beef with Kandi and may rekindle her friendship with Nene. Also, she is apparently evicted from the mansion that she flaunted just last season.

Of course they have a girls trip to Anguilla (which is my dream destination) and there is even a wedding…Kandi and her boyfriend may tie the knot or maybe Nene & Gregg get remarried.

Season 5 of RHOA premieres Sunday and ~Elle Shanice~ will be giving you a summary of EVERY episode this season.

Give Cam Newton a Break

Let me preface this post byacknowledging my bias for Cam Newton & my hometown team, the CarolinaPanthers. However, I guarantee that I have done thorough research & backedup my opinions with facts (as always).  

Cam Newton is a 23-year-old, 2^nd-yearstarting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers; the franchise player who wasbrought in to turn around a team that has had it’s fair share of ups &downs during it’s 17-year existence (We had a 1-15 record in 2001 but made itto the Superbowl 3 years later in 2004). He is a new breed of quarterback, throwinglong passes to Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell as well as running the ball for first downs and touchdowns. 

He has won on every level so far...in high school, at Blinn College & a Division-1 national championship at Auburn...so clearly he is not used tolosing, nor does he like it. When you have done nothing but win for the past few years and become accustomed to it, it takes a while to getpast that and keep working. Cam Newton does just that: each week, he goes back in to watch film and practice hard to prepare for the next game. 

Maturity is something that comes with experience and while I agreethat Cam does need to grow up, again he is only 23 and I know some people OLDER then him who are not mature. The pressure of being the Heisman Trophy winner,#1 draft pick, and franchise player may be something that takes him a while to get usedto and deal with. However, that does NOT mean that he can't or won't deal with it. I hear sportswriters and commentators (and bloggers...LOL) talk about he's not mature but it may take some time to loosen up and get that monkey off your back to win. 

I am a former athlete &understand the most important thing with both players and franchises inprofessional sports is WINNING. That’s why the praise for Cam has gone down andthe criticism of him has gone up, especially when he does his “Superman”touchdown celebration when the team is losing.

But as the leader of the team, he is going to face criticism regardless. If he were to blame the defenseor coaching staff for a loss, the fans and media (both local and national)criticize him and say that he is “pouting”. 

However, when he takes the blameand makes it known that he is not happy, he’s criticized as well. They say thathe pouts on the bench with a Gatorade towel on head seeming to symbolize thathe doesn’t want to be bothered by teammates and coaches, but Gatorade is hissponsor so that might be as far as that goes. It’s like Cam Newton is dammed ifhe does and damned if he doesn’t. Football is a TEAM sport and the entire TEAM,including coaching staff, need to be held accountable for losses.

He made a BIG debut last year withtwo 400+ yard games in the first two games of his NFL career and broke allkinds of rookie and quarterback records. However, the team’s 6-10 record leftmuch to be desired from fans and the media. They didn’t win those games when hebroke the records & he was criticized for it. His numbers went downdramatically in the following weeks but they won a couple games. He was stillcriticized for his numbers going down. It’s like he can’t win (bothfiguratively and literally). 

Some of the top NFL quarterbackswith Super bowl rings did not have this much pressure & this much to liveup to (winning the Heisman Trophy and National championship in the same season,being the #1 pick and franchise quarterback for a rebuilding team). Tom Bradyhas three Superbowl rings but he clearly had a chip on his shoulder after hewas drafted by the New England Patriots 6^th round in 2000. BenRoethlisberger won in his 2^nd season, Peyton Manning in his 9^thseason and Eli Manning won in his 4^th season. However, Eli had the influence of an NFL father (Archie Manning) & brother Peyton behind him to be a winner. Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were both in the NFL at least 5seasons before they won their first ring. So to question whether Cam is overrated or if he will win a Superbowl ring is CRAZY!!!!!

What we have to understand assports fans is that athletes are human beings too and what they do in theirpersonal lives is none of our business. Cam Newton playing video games on his byeweek did not bother me because it is his business. Any other 23-year-old youngman would play video games in his free time if he wanted to and there wouldn’tbe a problem. 

So what I'm saying is...Give Cam a BREAK!!!!! He has the potential to be GREAT and just needs time to mature, grow, and improve himself and his game. I am a DIEHARD Panthers' fan and I will still be there every week to cheer my team and quarterback on for them to WIN!!!!!