Latest Cam Newton Backlash: Deserved Or Racially Motivated?
(CBS) -- It's talk of the day: Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's sullen news conference after Super Bowl 50.
All season, Newton's critics ripped his on-field celebrations. Then they really let him have it after his very brief Super Bowl news conference, which he abruptly left.
Actor Rob Lowe posted this sarcastic tweet: "Wow. What a press conference from Cam Newton. So gracious. So classy."
Journalist Evan Moore believes the much of the criticism directed at Newton is rooted in racism.
Moore points to the muted response to questionable behavior of white sports figures, such as New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
"There's a big-time double standard," Moore says.
But other Africans-Americans are critical of Newton's news conference. Hall of Famer Deion Sanders had this to say: "I understand the emotions of losing, but you can't do that."
Added Chicago's Adell Davis, host of a radio show on Urban Broadcast Media: "Why is it so necessary that he perform like a six-year-old just because he lost?"