Cam Newton benched for dress code violation, reportedly did not wear tie

They may need to change his nickname from “Riverboat Ron” to “Discipline Ron” after what happened on Sunday night.

Despite being healthy, Cam Newton was benched for Carolina’s first offensive play of the game against Seattle for what was initially described as disciplinary reasons.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told NBC’s Michele Tafoya that Newton was disciplined for a dress code violation. As if that weren’t enough, Rivera told Tafoya that he didn’t regret having backup Derek Anderson throw a pass on the play Newton missed, even though it resulted in an interception.

Given all the wacky outfits Newton’s worn over the years, it was hard for many to believe that he was in violation of some dress code.

#Panthers Cam Newton was disciplined for one play tonight for a dress code violation. What could've been worse than these? @NFLRT pic.twitter.com/Z8guB1DNKU

— Shane Richardson (@ShaneNFL) December 5, 2016

A dress code violation for Cam Newton? That doesn't sound right. pic.twitter.com/fTgDRsk5sp

— Justin Woodruff (@WoodJustRuff) December 5, 2016

But WBTV’s Ashley Stroehlein reported Sunday night that Newton’s violation was not wearing a tie.

Cam Newton violated the team dress code by not wearing a tie, per source. #CARvsSEA

— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) December 5, 2016

Maybe Rivera was really just trying to prove a point to the team that nobody — not even the team’s star quarterback — is bigger than the rules.