Cam Newton's abrupt exit from a Super Bowl 50 postgame news conference drew plenty of criticism. In fact, the Carolina quarterback is a bit of a polarizing player by the way he celebrates first downs and touchdowns. At least to some.
Reaction to the Panthers' charismatic leader runs the full spectrum. Newton is beloved among most Panthers fans. He also has his share of haters.
Is there a racial component to the scrutiny Newton faces? Not according to NFL's reigning MVP.
"It's not racism," Newton told GQ in a cover story published Monday online. "Everybody's entitled to their own opinion.
"I don't want this to be about race, because it's not. It's not. Like, we're beyond that. As a nation."
Newton says he over the news conference incident and "could care less" about what people think of it.
Reaction to the Panthers' charismatic leader runs the full spectrum. Newton is beloved among most Panthers fans. He also has his share of haters.
Is there a racial component to the scrutiny Newton faces? Not according to NFL's reigning MVP.
"It's not racism," Newton told GQ in a cover story published Monday online. "Everybody's entitled to their own opinion.
"I don't want this to be about race, because it's not. It's not. Like, we're beyond that. As a nation."
Newton says he over the news conference incident and "could care less" about what people think of it.
