Cam Newton apologizes for "extremely degrading and disrespectful" remark
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton released a video Thursday apologizing for "extremely degrading and disrespectful" comment he made earlier this week to a female reporter.
"I understand my word choice was extremely degrading and disrespectful to women and to be honest, that was not my intentions," Newton said in a video posted to his Twitter account. "I'm a man who tries to be a positive role model in my community and tries to use my platform to inspire others. I take ownership for everything that comes with that and what I did was extremely unacceptable."
— Cameron Newton (@CameronNewton) October 6, 2017
At a press conference on Wednesday, Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue asked Newton about wide receiver Devin Funchess' route running. Newton smiled and said, "it's funny to hear a female talk about routes. It's funny." He then answered the question.
Rodrigue tweeted about the incident, writing "I don't think it's 'funny' to be a female and talk about routes. I think it's my job."
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
Her tweet sent off a social media firestorm. And on Thursday, Dannon yogurt cut ties with Newton, who had appeared in their commercials.
Carolina spokesman Steven Drummond said in a statement to The Associated Press that Newton had a conversation with Rodrigue after the news conference ended and expressed regret for his remarks.
Rodrigue released a statement through The Charlotte Observer via email saying that Newton did not apologize when they spoke after the news conference.
She said she "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."