Monday, February 8, 2016

Cam Newton: The Shipwrecked Showboater

Almost 112 million people viewed Super Bowl 50 and depending on when they tuned in and whether they stay tuned to the post-game interviews those viewers saw a young star too easily rattled and not equal to the moment.

During the always overboard pre-game hype, CBS cameras caught Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton on the field sporting warm-up gear that consisted of a black t-shirt emblazoned with a gold Superman logo and gold Under Armor® MVP cleats.

The Panthers were a 5+ point favorite to win yesterday’s Super Bowl.  I feel sorry for all the folks who placed bets in Vegas on Carolina.  The Panthers were pathetic.  Newton was deplorable.  The Denver defense hit Newton 13 times including six sacks.  He went 18 of 41 for 265 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, two fumbles and a passer rating of 55.4.

By the end of the third quarter the coddled, vulgarly overpaid Newton’s body language unequivocally told you this princeling was not accustomed to such forceful handling.  There were no jumping jacks or leaping chest bumps to rally his team.  No “dabbing” either.  Denver tugged on Superman’s cape and all that was left was a sulking, pouty, immature, petulant child who threw himself on the turf after Josh Norman was called for holding against DeMarcus Ware and again with 2:08 left in the game when Derek Wolfe tackled Cam in the endzone.  Newton screamed at the official demanding a penalty flag for a late hit but didn’t get one.  He rolled over and pounded the turf in a childish temper tantrum.

Oh, and let’s not forget the fumble he cowardly refused to try to recover.  Aqib Talib said, “He tapped out.  Yeah.  He didn’t want it.”

After the game, Cam Newton sat dejectedly in a post-game interview giving oh-so-short answers to rather soft questions and abruptly walked out after just three minutes.  For good or for ill, former Dallas Cowboys star Deion Sanders said of Newton’s press conference, “You are the face of our brand right now.  You can’t do that.  I understand the emotions of losing.  You can’t do that.  A Manning, a Brady, all of those guys who have been prototypical would never do that.  You can’t be dabbin’ smiling, styling and profiling when you win, so this is how you go out when you lose?”

I have taken some guff from a reader in the past for being so hard on Cam.  I am not just now scrutinizing him.  I attacked his antics, his narcissism and petulance here and here and finally here

Cam Newton’s arrogance has cheapened him.  His promise to be a role model is a complete, unadulterated mountain of manure and his teammates are circling the wagons to protect him.

Fans of the Panthers are disappointed that the Panthers lost.  Disappointment is part of sports.  Sadly though, Cam Newton single-handedly embarrassed the franchise and embarrassed the Panthers Nation.

Cam needs to grow up.  Whatever criticism comes his way is deserved.  Is the NFL proud they selected such a crybaby to be their MVP?  I think not.  Cam made a mockery of the league and a laughingstock of the Panthers.  It’s a pity.

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