Selective outrage.
That’s what some are saying after Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton laughed off a female reporter’s question and is now facing backlash.
On Wednesday (Oct. 4), during a press conference, Charlotte Observer beat reporter Jourdan Rodrigue asked Newton if teammate Devin Funchess enjoyed the physical contact he receives while running routes.
“It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes like that. It’s funny,” Newton replied with a smirk.
Soon after, the star quarterback was blasted by the Panthers Director Steven Drummond, The Association for Women in Sports Media, The Pro Football Writers of America, The NFL and Rodrigue herself.
“This afternoon, I did my job as an NFL beat writer and asked Cam Newton a question about one of his receivers,” said Rodriguez. “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.”
More on Cam Newton
Panthers’ PR Adviser Reportedly Responsible For Cam Newton’s Revised Stance on Race
Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick’s Face-to-Face Photo Goes Viral After Hilarious Meme Takes Off
According to the Charlotte Observer, Newton accused Rodrigue of not actually paying attention to specific routes but only watching to see if players were open, something she strongly denied.
But it wasn’t just the reporter, the NFL and The AWSM who criticized the 6’5″ quarterback, some football fans ripped him as well.
“”F— you and your comment about women calling out plays,” one person wrote on Newton’s Instagram page. “I won’t be following you anymore and my 15-year-old is a huge fan of you and the Panthers because we live in Charlotte. Shame on you, Cam. I’m disappointed in you.”
Amid the backlash, however, there were others who defended Newton, and they were confused why people are so mad at his remarks and not other things in the NFL like Colin Kaepernick allegedly being blackballed or players being mistreated for protesting.
They were nowhere to be found when Kaepernick was being blackballed.
— MrBarney (@KingAcer33) October 5, 2017
Trump belittles women everyday, but when Cam Newton jokes on a reporter, y’all ready to cry lmao
— Cameoism (@camolocs) October 5, 2017
Dear 53% of white women, you can’t be Trump supporters and bash what Cam Newton said. That’s not how it works.
— Kanisha Jackson (@Kanisha1Jackson) October 4, 2017
Its “DISRESPECTFUL” to say that females discussing football in depth is uncommon? Y’all just looking for a reason to be mad bruh
— Richmond Brown Sr. (@LargeBlackMale) October 5, 2017
They’re more upset about Cam than they were about Brock Turner.
— Saibot1 (@rell84shots) October 5, 2017
I saw the remark made by Cam Newton. He sounded playful. The journalist wants to be a victim and exploit the situation. Period.
— Curtis Scoon (@CurtisScoon) October 5, 2017
Plus, one Twitter user said he found an old tweet from Rodrigue when she used the N-Word and seemed to call her an hypocrite.
Media also ignoring Jourdan Rodrigue’s racist tweets. She can freely uses n-word but is outraged & wants @CameronNewton apology 4 “female”?🤔 pic.twitter.com/7GmsIwpdTf
— Ben Winborne (@winborneb) October 5, 2017
For now, Newton’s Instagram and Twitter pages have gone silent. We’ll see if his team or the league make him apologize to the reporter.
