Cam Controversy
On Wednesday afternoon at his press conference, Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers star quarterback, responded to a question pertaining to “routes” asked by Jourdan Rodrigue, Carolina Panthers beat writer for The Charlotte Observer.
Rodrigue: “I know you take a lot of pride in seeing your receivers play well. (Panthers wide receiver) Devin Funchess has seemed to really embrace the physicality of his routes and getting those extra yards. Does that give you a little bit of an enjoyment to see him kind of truck-sticking people out there?”
Newton: “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes.”
Many viewed Newton’s comments as sexist and rightfully so, not to mention Dannon Oikos (sponsor) cut ties with Newton as well. In this case the setting and context is significant. Whether a sports reporter is a man or woman, athletes should assume that reporters have standard knowledge of the sport they are covering.
Now if Newton was at a family gathering and relative (aunt, cousin, or sister) who is not familiar with the sport of football mentioned routes in a conversation, his comments would not seem so far-fetched. Again, context and setting is important when it comes to this subject.
After receiving backlash via social media, news, and sports talk shows Newton released an apology video via Twitter:
Newton’s apology seems sincere and athletes should view this situation as a lesson learned. Word choice and delivery is extremely important especially if you are an athlete who is always in the public eye.