Cam Newton’s ‘Grade A’ Apology

People must be capable of saying, “I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I’ll learn from my mistake and be better.” Newton did just that.

Last Wednesday Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton found himself caught in a hellfire of his own making. A beat reporter from The Charlotte Observer, Jourdan Rodrigue, asked Newton about his thoughts on wide receiver Devin Funchess, “…embracing the physicality of routes.”

Utterly taken aback that a woman knew about “routes,” Newton responded with laughter, “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes like … it’s funny.”

Yeah, like hilarious. I mean how dare a “female,” beat reporter be so well prepared and versed to ask a football player a question about tactics and style on the field. Apparently, the only routes a “female,” should concern herself with is  “routes” on a highway. I mean c’mon! How could a “female” with breasts and monthly menstruation understand such a “sporty” thing like “routes.” I mean, aren’t “females” just adjusting to the 19th Amendment that granted “females” the right to vote on August 18, 1920?

But I digress….

In the era of instant outrage (thanks to social media) I soon learned that I wasn’t alone in my disappointment.
HLN’s S.E. Cupp rightly ripped Newton’s verbal garbage to shreds, “I’ve got a few things to say to Cam Newton and guys out there like him, so listen up,” Cupp frustratingly said on Thursday’s show, “It’s 2017, you club-carrying caveman!”

Right on S.E. and Girl Power!

Within 24 hours of Newton’s outlandish comment–and the loss of sponsorship from the Dannon brand, Oikos yogurt–Newton released an apology via video. “To the reporters, to the journalists, to the moms — super moms — to the daughters, the sisters and the women all around the world, I sincerely apologize,” said Newton. “[I] hope that you can find the kindness of your heart to forgive me. Thank you,”

Apology accepted.

In my humble opinion, Newton’s demeanor and words were heartfelt–that of a man who recognized he had messed up … and badly. And two thumbs to the “super moms” line. One class act! Very cute, too!

Newton’s apology is a far cry from the usual apologies from celebrities who’ve found themselves in trouble. Normally celebrities release apologies via spokespersons. If given directly, they look strained or arrogant when trying to simply say, “Sorry, I messed up.”

We need more Newton’s in the public square–especially in football, which suffers from controversies like domestic violence, rape allegations, drugs, and suppression of speech.

People aren’t perfect – I’m certainly not. But “us” imperfect people must be capable of saying, “I’m sorry. I will do better. I’ll learn from my mistake and be better.”

Newton showed us just exactly that. Thank you, Newton.