Cam Newton Interview — What Many Media Sources Aren’t Telling You

If you watched the post-game Cam Newton interview — after Super Bowl 50’s loss for the Carolina Panthers — you also saw Newton walk out. Since then, he’s been getting attacked by media sources and athletes alike. But isn’t it time for the truth of the situation?

Cam Newton’s interview has been the headline of NFL news since the Super Bowl. Many people thought Cam’s luck would turn around later in the game. However, since his sacks continued to increase — including the various turnovers — it seemed that only bad luck took precedence.

During Newton’s interview, Denver Broncos’ Chris Harris, Jr. was also speaking with the press. Unfortunately, Cam’s interview was interrupted by the sounds of Harris’ loud, post-game comments. After Cam Newton heard enough, he exited the conference without a word. Since then, several media sources have labeled him “unsportsmanlike” and lacking class. According to Around the NFL, Harris mentioned as follows.

“I had no idea, I don’t know why they had us in the same room or anywhere close to where they can hear us. So I would’ve been mad too if I was Cam, to be able to hear your opponent right behind you talking, I mean nobody wants to hear that…so I think that was a bad setup.”

And Newton’s opponent is right. Who would want to hear his opposition brag about the team’s defeat, let alone take blame for the entire game? Realistically, the offensive line is the critical barrier that separates the defensive line from the quarterback, right? And with this in mind, no players can sack the quarterback unless they break through the “O” line.

Chris Harris asking "can you throw the football?" … Can't blame Cam too much for this human reaction. https://t.co/ENAdp3kewt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2016

Several times when Cam Newton attempted to make a pass, either the wide receivers were covered or the offensive line was slacking on the job.

So, why place all the blame on Cam Newton? He’s not a one-man team nor has he ever stated or acted like he was out there by himself. When Newton runs, it’s for a reason.

Yet take Peyton Manning, for instance. He’s not a scrambler and only runs when it’s necessary. Likewise, Peyton stays within the pocket — and he can only stay in the pocket because of his offensive line’s protection. Comparably, if Cam Newton didn’t have the adequate protection, he wasn’t able to efficiently throw the ball or stay in the pocket.

There were several errors made by the entire Carolina Panthers team. It’s illogical to say it’s Cam Newton’s fault that a teammate fumbled the ball after possession or wasn’t quick enough to execute the “Flea Flicker.” In further elaboration, Harris continued his interview as follows.

“…things happen. You gotta deal with it, you gotta approach things as a man and we’ve been in that situation where we lost the Super Bowl and you gotta be able to take things as they come. I’m just happy we were on the good side of things this time.”

Although critics say that Cam Newton didn’t show professionalism by walking away from the interview, says CBS Detroit, he did own up to the team’s errors for three minutes before overhearing Harris in the background. Honestly, for how long did people expect Newton to answer the same questions over and over?

Here’s part of the three-minute interview that Cam gave the press.

“They made more plays than us, and that’s what it comes down to. We had our opportunities, and it was nothing special that they did. We dropped balls. We turned the ball over. We gave up sacks. We threw errant passes. That’s it.”

However, that’s not what several press sources are telling the public. Rather, it’s almost like they’re attempting to defame Cam Newton for his loss and reaction. Even Bill Romanowski commented via Twitter. Yet his expression toward Newton quickly backfired. It can be seen in the following tweets.

Hey Boy! @billromanowski pic.twitter.com/YryqJMDxaV

— The Crown Club ? (@CrownClubCLT) February 9, 2016

I apologize for that remark 'boy'. It was not intentional or even trying to disrespect others. Peace everyone.

— Bill Romanowski (@billromanowski) February 8, 2016

Nevertheless, no one’s talking about the several “unsportsmanlike” actions from this player, right? Likewise, what about when Peyton Manning walked out on interviews and didn’t shake the opposing team’s hands? According to Huffington Post, the news medium remembered a time when the quarterback was a “bad sport” about his loss. But no one cared. So, why the big fuss when Cam Newton does it?

Why can other quarterbacks celebrate by grinding the air — along with other obscenities — but Cam gets called out for “dabbing,” as being “too cocky”?

Is there double standard? Several people — as well as some media sources — have called Cam Newton a “thug.” Newton’s a thug because he likes to celebrate, smile, give footballs to fans, dab, and dance?

A better question is: why haven’t they labeled Johnny Manziel a thug during his domestic violence scandal? Recently, ESPN reported that he even showed up to a meeting while hung over on an undetermined substance.

Cam Newton had a human reaction to the interview situation. He is still very human, yes? It was better for him to walk out than to have said something from an emotional standpoint. Yet, even in saying nothing, Cam’s walk-out was skewed and molded into what others wanted.

He’s had critics on his back all season. Regardless of what he would’ve said or did, they would’ve judged him anyway. During the interview, Cam Newton might not have addressed media sources as they desired, but he was still very sportsmanlike and classy on the field — even during post-game hand shakes. What more do people want?

[Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Sport]