There were complaints earlier in the season that Cam Newton wasn’t being protected enough by the referees from dangerous hits, and the reigning league MVP finally decided to speak up about that matter.
Newton said after the Panthers’ 30-20 win over the Cardinals Sunday the lack of protection from officials was “bullcrap.” He added that he doesn’t feel safe anymore.
Wow. Cam Newton said he plans on talking to Commissioner Goodell about late hits. Says he doesn't "feel safe" anymore. Says its "bullcrap"
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) October 30, 2016
Newton says officials have taken the fun out of the game from him. He also said Sunday that the officials are telling him they’re missing calls and will get the next ones.
Good for Cam. He's held his tongue on this from time to time. "I'm telling you, its taking the fun out of the game for me."
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) October 30, 2016
The way Cam tells it, officials are telling him they missed the calls and will see it next time. If this is true, I don't blame him one bit.
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) October 30, 2016
Newton said he plans to talk with Roger Goodell about his concerns.
Cam Newton: "Because at times, I don’t even feel safe. And enough is enough. I plan on talking to Commissioner Goodell about this."
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 30, 2016
His reason for finally talking now? He was concerned he could have torn his ACL.
Cam on why he's finally speaking up now on hits: "I coulda torn my ACL. That’s the breaking point."
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 30, 2016
Newton went 14 of 27 for 212 yards in the game, and added 43 rushing yards. Though his numbers weren’t stellar, he spoke up after a win rather than a loss, which erases detractors saying his complaints are the product of sour grapes. Newton suffered a concussion earlier in the season that caused him to miss a game, but he said afterwards he wouldn’t change his playing style to be safer. Newton’s father called out the officials earlier this season for having a bias against his son.
