Cam Newton’s “losers” comment sparks reaction from former Panthers coach Ron Rivera: “Sometimes things are better left unsaid”
Ron Rivera wishes Cam Newton had taken a more diplomatic approach while talking about the Panthers locker room in his rookie year.
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Cam Newton and Ron Rivera (Image Credits: L-via IMAGO/X)
A new career in media has further boldened Cam Newton‘s pre-existing loud personality. The former NFL quarterback has been vocal about his time with the Carolina Panthers, the franchise that he led to the Super Bowl and won an MVP in.
Cam Newton took a shot at the mentality within the Panthers locker room when he was drafted to the team in 2011, essentially referring to it as a ‘locker room of losers.’ He went on to defend his take despite facing criticism from former teammate Steve Smith Sr.
Now, his former Head Coach Ron Rivera shared his two cents regarding the quarterback’s comments.
Sometimes things are better left unsaid. And I’d loved to have seen him be more diplomatic. Just because a lot of those guys on that 2010 team became some guys that went on to the Super Bowl in 2015. It’s unfortunate he made the comments and now he’s just gotta live with them and own up.
Ron Rivera said in his interview with Joseph Pearson of The Athletic.
There were only three starters on offense, including Newton, who remained on the 2015 squad.
Ron Rivera believes Cam Newton is damaging his legacy through his statements
Irrespective of how Newton felt about the roster in his rookie season, Rivera is right. That was a long time ago, and there are far better ways to have referenced his situation than to come out and label them as individuals with a losing mentality. Cam Newton could have defined his situation as unfavorable or one that was not ideal for a rookie hoping to join a franchise looking to win.
A diplomatic approach, as suggested by Rivera, would have worked. Despite having moved on from his playing days, Cam Newton has a legacy to protect. Ultimately, he will be remembered for the 2015 season, but his reputation as a good leader may be in question because of his recent statements.
However, knowing Cam Newton’s outspoken personality, he remains unbothered by the impact of his words. He sticks to a philosophy of ‘calling it as he sees it.’ If only the quarterback had led the Panthers to their first Super Bowl win, it would have changed the potential trajectory of his entire career and how his legacy would be perceived by the fans. That is the one thing that he failed to achieve in his career.
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Sumedh Joshi
(2339 Articles Published)