Two days after losing in the Super Bowl, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton remains unapologetic for his now infamous post-game press conference, despite a firestorm of reaction from social media.
We can all sympathize with Newton. He was understandably dejected and sullen after losing the biggest game of his life. But the social media backlash that ensued wasn’t because he wasn’t smiling, it was because he appeared ungracious. In a digital world where reactions are instantaneous, many didn’t hold back their displeasure.
Fun dude to watch play but this is trash. RT @NFL: A dejected Cam Newton walks off the podium abruptly. #SB50 https://t.co/V9RqYkdzns — Max Miller (@jmaaxx) February 8, 2016
Somebody should give Cam Newton a copy of Russell Wilson's postgame presser last year to teach him a lesson in class #SB50 — Mike Nabors (@MikeNabors) February 8, 2016
I know Cam Newton is disappointed, but leadership means also being gracious in defeat. That postgame presser was sad. Hopefully, he matures. — Ray Hennessey (@Hennesseyedit) February 8, 2016
Sports
Cam Newton walks out on post game presser after less than 3 min. If you want to Dab after wins, got to hold it together after losses. #SB50 — Nick Gryniewicz ESPN (@ESPN580Nick) February 8, 2016
I don't know if Cam Newton understood how to win a Super Bowl, but his presser shows he absolutely doesn't know how to lose one. — Jake Query (@jakequery) February 8, 2016
Luke Kuechly is showing class in his post game presser. Cam Newton didn't show a lot in his. — Brad Christian (@Btchristian2000) February 8, 2016
Newton, however, remains unfazed. “Show me a good loser and I’m going to show you a loser," the NFL MVP told reporters while he and his teammates cleaned out their lockers Tuesday. "If I offended anybody that's cool, but I know who I am and I'm not about to conform nor bend for anybody's expectations because yours or anybody's expectations would never exceed mine."
Cam Newton isn't going to change for anyone. https://t.co/Q2AfTe4TUE pic.twitter.com/LrRvT1yRpS — NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 9, 2016
Some have defended Newton, pointing out that Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. was in earshot of Newton, describing how his team's plan to throw the quarterback off his game worked. Hence the reason he abruptly walked off the podium.
Chris Harris presser heard through curtain: "Can y'all throw the football, that was the game plan..."
Cam: *Exits*https://t.co/KnUiE0FdgJ — NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 10, 2016
NFL: How the hell do you have Chris Harris and Cam Newton doing post-game interviews next to each other? That's a terrible idea. — Zack Moore (@ZackMooreNFL) February 9, 2016
Broncos CB Chris Harris defends Cam Newton. "I would have been mad if I was Cam too." Media setup was not optimal. #CamReaction — Around The Pylons (@AroundThePylons) February 9, 2016
The Panthers signal-caller is known for his high highs and his low lows. When he wins he's exuberant and the epitome of pure joy. And who could fault him for that? But when he loses he's the exact opposite, to the point that he sends off a signal he may not have intended.
Newton will get plenty of chances to redeem himself. He's young, extremely talented and poised to appear in many more playoff games.
But for now, he'll just have to ride out the social commentary, including the funny jabs at his expense.
if you missed it. here's conan killing it skewering Cam Newton's post SB press conf. https://t.co/jBudcyeRNf — Bill Carter (@wjcarter) February 9, 2016
