UPDATE: Cam Newton Apologizes for His Sexist Comment Against a Reporter
Source: Twitter
UPDATE: Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton has apologized for the sexist way he addressed Jourdan Rodrigue, a female reporter, yesterday.
He posted the apology on Twitter:
— Cameron Newton (@CameronNewton) October 6, 2017
The apology came a couple of hours after Dannon announced that it would no longer work with Newton and after Rodrigue apologized for some old, racist tweets that resurfaced.
So yeah…it’s been an interesting day.
See the original story below:
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton got himself into hot water when he answered a question from a female reporter in a sexist manner.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Charlotte Observer beat reporter Jourdan Rodrigue asked Cam Newton a question about how Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess runs routes. Newton responded to the question by saying “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes, like — it’s funny.”
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Soon after, the video of the exchange hit the Internet.
Here’s the video of Cam Newton saying “it’s funny to hear a female talk about routes” pic.twitter.com/hd9Kg4CCeu
— Carlin & Reese (@CarlinReeseWIP) October 4, 2017
Rodrigue, the reporter, took to Twitter to talk about the incident:
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
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
Making things more complicated is what Panthers director of communications, Steven Drummond, said. He released a statement saying that Newton and Rodrigue spoke where Cam’ “expressed regret.”
However, Rodrigue disputes this, saying in a statement:
“This afternoon, I did my job as an NFL beat writer and asked Cam Newton a question about one of his receivers. I was dismayed by his response, which not only belittled me but countless other women before me and beside me who work in similar jobs. I sought Mr. Newton out as he left the locker room a few minutes later. He did not apologize for his comments.”
A number of organizations have blasted Cam for the comments. This includes the NFL, with spokesperson Brian McCarthy saying “The comments are just plain wrong and disrespectful to the exceptional female reporters and all journalists who cover our league.” This also includes the Association for Women in Sports Media who released this statement:
Statement from AWSM. pic.twitter.com/P1fVi3KRsz
— AWSM (@AWSM_SportMedia) October 4, 2017
Cam still has not publicly responded to the controversy.
Source: USA Today
