When BCS champion quarterback Cam Newton appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night, after some playful banter Leno posed the serious question of whether Newton would return to Auburn next year or jump to the NFL. Our analysis of Newton’s response strongly suggests he’s going to make the leap.
Here’s how Newton responded. “Right now, I really can’t say – I must say this, when I make my decision, you’ll be the first to know.”
That response is extremely revealing from a behavioral standpoint. Newton’s failure to answer the question, coupled with his attempt to make light of it, indicates that he is indeed planning to go to the NFL. Perhaps even more interesting from a behavioral perspective is the unintended message Newton conveyed when he said, “Right now, I can’t say.”
Whenever we hear someone make such a statement, we immediately ask ourselves, “Why can’t he say?” In Newton’s case, the answer is pretty simple. If he planned to stay at Auburn, there’s really no reason he “can’t say” so. Auburn fans would be ecstatic. Moreover, a decision to stay at Auburn wouldn’t cause any huge disappointment for anyone in particular in the NFL, as no one knows at this point who will draft him.
On the other hand, a decision by Newton to jump to the NFL, although expected by many, would be a huge disappointment to Auburn fans, and was therefore the likely reason Newton told Leno, “I can’t say.” Newton, and whoever his advisors are, know that his announcement must be a carefully crafted statement delivered in a manner and setting that will enhance Newton’s economic value, and hopefully minimize the disappointment to the Auburn nation. Newton knows that the financial fortune that awaits him in the NFL is no joke.
I think he has to go because of the NCAA investigation. If he sticks around so will the investigation.
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