Cam Newton has spoken with Jourdan Rodrigue and apparently “expressed regret” over his sexist remarks towards her.
Rodrigue is the Carolina Panthers’ beat reporter for the Charlotte Observer. During Newton’s news conference on Wednesday, Rodrigue apparently asked the QB a question about whether he liked the physical routes Devin Funchess was running.
Newton’s reported response was sexist.
“It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes. It’s funny,” Newton said, via Pro Football Talk.
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
Rodrigue defended herself on Twitter afterwards.
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
She also said she spoke with Newton afterwards and “it 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
It’s unclear whether an additional conversation took place, but the Panthers said in a statement that Rodrigue and Newton spoke and the QB “expressed regret” over his words.
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
Newton has long had a contemptuous relationship with the media, as we’ve seen in previous incidents. So it’s not like this is entirely new ground for him. But that doesn’t mean his actions were acceptable; they were inappropriate and embarrassing. Next up should be an apology.
