Cam Newton Under Fire For Belittling Female Reporter: ‘It’s Funny to Hear a Female Talk About Routes’
Cam Newton: “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes.”
Uh, that’s a really, really bad way to answer a legitimate question. (video via https://t.co/NOdIiKyJCb) pic.twitter.com/MaS4KVjuSV
— Max Marcilla (@MMarcilla98) October 4, 2017
This is NOT going to go over well.
During a press conference today, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was asked a question by Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue about one of Newton’s teammates. She wanted to know if Newton found it enjoyable that wide receiver Devin Funchess was embracing the “physicality of his routes and getting those extra yards.”
Let’s just say that Newton’s response left a lot to be desired.
“It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes — it’s funny,” he said, before going on to talk about Funchess a little bit.
Needless to say, talking down to a female reporter in such a belittling fashion led to quite a bit or reaction and outrage. Rodrigue herself took to Twitter to offer her thoughts:
I don't think it's "funny" to be a female and talk about routes. I think it's my job.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 4, 2017
And she noted that she spoke with Newton after the presser and what he said at that time was worse:
I spoke with him after and it was worse. I chose not to share, because I have an actual job to do today and one he will not keep me from.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 4, 2017
Others also shook their head at Newton saying those words out loud:
Ladies – do not feel forced into defending our sports knowledge. This is on Cam Newton – NOT ON US. Unacceptable in 2017 to go back to this
— Laura Okmin (@LauraOkmin) October 4, 2017
Needless to say, Cam Newton looks like a bigger clown than ever today.
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) October 4, 2017
Oh come on. Welcome to 2017 Cam Newton, women have been covering sports for decades. @JourdanRodrigue deserves better than that. https://t.co/ofeu23Xq6J
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) October 4, 2017
Every female sports reporter has encountered a neanderthal like Cam Newton over the course of her career. They go low. We go high.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) October 4, 2017
Wondering if anyone can explain to me what is so funny about a “#female talking about routes”??? #Panthers #CamNewton #Equality ?! #NFL pic.twitter.com/D7lqMmn1KG
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetABC11) October 4, 2017
It's funny to hear Cam Newton, who ranks 25th in the NFL in total QBR (43.3), talk about routes. pic.twitter.com/AhLvUokS6z
— Jackie Bamberger (@jackie_bam) October 4, 2017
If Cam Newton went as hard at that fumble in the Super Bowl as he did to @JourdanRodrigue, he might have a ring. pic.twitter.com/LTupB1QsCz
— Taylor Stern (@TayStern) October 4, 2017
Apparently, when males are in utero, when their sex organs are being developed — is the time they learn about football routes. #CamNewton
— Steph McCarroll (@SoCaliSteph) October 4, 2017
People like Cam Newton are exactly why I do what I do.
— Melissa Jacobs (@thefootballgirl) October 4, 2017
What frustrates me about Cam Newton's comments: He's not joking around with friends, he's being condescending to a reporter doing her job
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 4, 2017
Watch the clip above, via Panthers.com.
UPDATE 7:08 p.m. ET — Panthers spokesman Steven Juston has issued a statement, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
A statement from #Panthers spokesman @StevenJuston, on Cam Newton’s remarks at today’s press conference pic.twitter.com/pJJ5frtFjx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2017
[image via screengrab]
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