Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was expected to take part in a media availability session on Wednesday ahead of the team’s game against the Chicago Bears. That didn’t happen.
He was also missing from a press conference on Thursday, which would represent the first time Newton has not talked to the media when required to.
Panthers QB Cam Newton not talking with media for second day in a row. Players who don't fulfill media requirements subject to fines.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 19, 2017
No explanation given by Panthers PR other than Newton didn't want to do it. When healthy, he's never missed a weekly press conference.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 19, 2017
As Joe Person from the Charlotte Observer points out, Newton is subject to fine if he does not fulfill his media requirements.
There’s nothing out there right now confirming why Newton isn’t taking part in a press conference this week. He is coming off a three-interception performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday. And we already know exactly how short Cam can be with the media after struggling on the field.
The question here is why Newton has decided to avoid the media.
For his part, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera doesn’t seem to have an answer to that.
Ron Rivera on Cam Newton: "I thought he had a press conference today but I guess not."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 19, 2017
It must be noted that Panthers beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue returned to the team’s facility on Wednesday.
This comes two weeks after she left her post following death threats she received due to the entire Cam-related drama from earlier in the season (more on that here).
Rodrigue was subjected to what many view to be sexist comments from Newton, after which point the quarterback apologized. Then following the incident in question, old tweets from her account that can also be viewed to be racist in nature surfaced.
According to this one report, Rodriquez was in the locker room interviewing players on Wednesday. It did not go too swimmingly.
Source also informed Rodrigue was seen meeting with players at their lockers; Noted that guys looked visibly uncomfortable.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) October 19, 2017
Whether this played a role in Newton’s absense on Wednesday and Thursday remains to be seen. But it’s most definitely something to keep an eye on.