'Cam Newton Drive' measure shot down - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

A measure to rename a south Fulton County street in honor of NFL star Cam Newton was defeated on Tuesday.

The proposal, which was suggested by Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards, would have turned Scarborough Road into Cam Newton Drive.

Newton, who won a Heisman trophy while leading Auburn to a BCS national championship, grew up on the College Park street. His parents still live on the 1.5 mile street, which houses 23 homes. Newton now plays for the Carolina Panthers.

Numerous residents turned out to speak against the renaming on Tuesday.

"Too early – way too early to name something for an athlete that's just really at the beginning of his career," said Carl Wilson.

"There is a time that you need to give a person, look at them grow, grow into the man that he's going to be before we say name Scarborough Road after Cam Newton," said Toneeka Respert Douglas.

Cam's mother, who was in attendance, had no comment. His grandmother brushed off the measure's defeat.

"Cam could care less. And they're talking about later on. He is not thinking about later on. He's living his life now. So whatever they say tonight, I hope they're finished and drop it forever," said Newton's grandmother.

Edwards said he was surprised at the criticism but said he would look at other ways to honor Newton. He said he would bring some more ideas – maybe naming an area field or gymnasium in Newton's honor – to the next commissioner's meeting.