Post by Admin on Nov 22, 2015 12:40:36 GMT -4
he "Tennessee Mom" whose letter to Cam Newton about his end-zone antics against the Tennessee Titans last week went viral and sparked debates on topics that included sportsmanship and race has had a change of heart about the Carolina Panthers quarterback.
Newton drew the ire of several Tennessee players and the Titans coach for his extended dance in the end zone to celebrate a fourth-quarter touchdown run on Nov. 15.
Rosemary Plorin of Nashville, Tenn., who'd brought her 9-year-old daughter to her first NFL game, also didn't appreciate Newton's display. She let the former Auburn star know via a letter shared with the Charlotte Observer that said his "egotism, arrogance and poor sportsmanship" made him an unaware and unworthy role model.
For the second week in a row, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is fodder for national sports-talk radio shows and sports columnists -- and not because the former Auburn star has led the Panthers to a 9-0 record.
Newton was asked about Plorin's letter during his Wednesday press conference.
"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion," Newton said. "You can't fault her for that. It is what it is. If she feels offended, I'll apologize to her. But at the end of the day, I am who I am.''
After some ugly reactions directed toward her through social media, Plorin found Newton's response to be a good one.
"I watched the video of Cam Newton responding to media questions about my letter to him earlier this week," she told Jeff Siner of the Charlotte Observer. "I really appreciate his comments and his respect for my thoughts, and I was impressed with the sensitivity and graciousness with which he spoke. I am sorry I didn't understand him better until this week. It is clear from his remarks that he recognizes his leadership role, both on and off the field, and that he truly cares about the kids watching him. I respect his comments just as much as he did mine, and I wish him nothing but continued success on the field and in life."
After winning over the "Tennessee Mom," Newton wants a win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.
Newton and the Panthers host Washington at noon CST. The quarterback said he's not thinking about dancing.
"Focus on Washington and make sure when they come to Bank of America Stadium, we find a way to get to 100 – that's 10-0," Newton said.
Carolina and the New England Patriots are the NFL's remaining unbeaten teams with 9-0 records. Washington has a 4-5 record – 4-1 at home and 0-4 on the road. The Redskins have lost eight straight road games.
