Alia Bennett/Contributing Writer
Cam Newton, quarterback of the Carolina Panthers, has danced his way through the season and angered many as a result. Therefore, it’s safe to say he was in a lose-lose situation the night of the Super Bowl.
If he would have won the Super Bowl, the mainstream media would be upset and relentless. Within less than an hour of his loss, the media began to do what we knew it would, tear him apart.
While nobody is exempt from criticism, some of the expectations placed on athletes and other celebrities are just downright unreasonable. Sure, they’re supposed to be role models but why place them on such a high pedestal if you’re just going to tear them down?
Many tend to forget that they’re more than a touchdown or a championship. They’re human beings with real emotions and thoughts. That’s why I stand with Cam Newton.
Online and offline, Newton has been called everything ranging from classless to cowardly. Actor Rob Lowe couldn’t wait to show his dismay after Newton stormed out of an interview but he was quickly reminded of his own shady past.
Former Denver Bronco, Bill Romanowski, who has been accused of making racial comments in the past, had tons to say about Newton and the loss only added fuel to the fire. His demasculating “boy” comment caused an uproar on Twitter causing him to make an apology. Many more weighed in on the situation such as sports analysts Stephen A. Smith and Deion Sanders.
Let’s take a moment to reminisce upon the behavior of others. Peyton Manning was a sore loser when his team lost Super Bowl XLIV to the New Orleans Saints in 2010. He rushed off the field without shaking hands with his opponent, Drew Brees. His actions were defended by others instead of chastised.
I find this strange that we fail to hold one person accountable and not the other. Moreover, Newton congratulated Manning face-to-face despite how upset he was. Bias is inevitable yet that doesn’t mean we can’t point it out.
I find it hard to believe that being upset about a loss is forbidden. Newton had just lost the biggest game of his career and he was unhappy about it, as he should be. We love to point fingers at people being just that–people.
Athletes are no different from us besides the fact that they have a million eyes on them. How many of those criticizing him can say they wouldn’t or haven’t acted similarly? He wasn’t profane and he wasn’t rude. He simply wasn’t in the mood. Can we fault him for that?
Disclaimer:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
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I love and adore Cam Newton and have followed his progress since he was at Florida. Cam is the most electrifyingly AWESOME QB that I have ever seen both in college and in the League. However, Cam is a football megastar–Not God or Jesus. To tell the unadulterated TRUTH, I imagine millions of women would love to have his baby–marriage, no marriage, or already married. Be REAL.
I love and adore Cam Newton and have followed his progress since he was at Florida. Cam is the most electrifyingly AWESOME QB that I have ever seen both in college and in the League. However, Cam is a football megastar–Not God or Jesus. To tell the unadulterated TRUTH, I imagine millions of women would love to have his baby–marriage, no marriage, or already married. Be REAL.