Cam Newton has been a superstar this NFL season. There’s no doubting that he’s one of the best players out there, but the Carolina Panthers didn’t do enough to clinch the Super Bowl 50 title Sunday night. But it’s what happened off the field that has people talking now.
During his postgame interview, Newton wasn’t excited about being there. And did people actually expect someone who has pretty much carried his team the whole season to be excited to talk about a loss?
Newton took a play out of the Marshawn Lynch interview handbook and wasn’t exactly responding to questions from reporters. He didn’t have the energy we’re used to seeing. After sitting and answering questions for almost three minutes, Newton walked off the stage.
What you saw was a 26-year-old man who was upset about a loss. And not just any loss. But he’s supposed to be humble and show humility, right?
If Newton hadn’t answered any questions at all, maybe people would have a reason to be upset. But even the MVP can get upset at himself for losing.
It’s funny. Next to being forgiving, it seems as though black people should also be humble and show humility at the drop of a dime. You have no time to grieve. You have no time to deal with a loss. It’s interesting how no one ever commented on Tom Brady’s or even Bill Belichick’s interviews. They get a pass, but Newton doesn’t. Hell, you even had a former NFL player refer to Newton as a “boy” on Twitter because of his postgame interview.
Do I blame Newton for walking off? Nope. He answered questions; he did what he was required to do. I do blame people for acting as if they’re “owed” something and as if he’s supposed to be humble. But then again, it’s what we’re expected to be: forgiving and humble.