Opinion by Caleb Bailey
Sunday night, the Carolina Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 and after the game, AP Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton was none too pleased with the way things went.
Near the end of the game, he was seen on the sidelines, throwing what some members of the media called “tantrums.” At the post-game press conference, he gave short, indecisive answers and then abruptly left the interview.
What people don’t know is that Broncos cornerback Chris Harris was right next to Newton, separated by just a curtain, loudly speaking about how their defense shut down the NFC Champions’ offense.
What people fail to realize is the fact that the Panthers did get shut down by the number one defense in the league, but they also forget that they came out of the NFC South, arguably the worst division in the NFL.
What I am upset about is the fact that people are calling Newton immature and saying things like “this is why people hate you.” Newton has every right to be mad and upset about what happened in the game Sunday night.
Yes, when his team wins, he Dabs, he smiles, he acts like a 26-year-old that is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL should act. And when he loses, he should be pissed off.
If you are considered a leader of any sports team at any level, whether it is some small, rinky-dink high school tennis team, a big time college basketball program, or an NFL team, I WANT you to be upset when your team loses.
Take Peyton Manning or Tom Brady for example. If one of them were to lose the Super Bowl and didn’t know how to handle it, they would be just as upset.
They would be called passionate for the game. They would be considered leaders for their team. They would be praised for standing up for their team in a tough time.
Sure, Newton can do some growing up, as any young player in the league can. But, I want a guy like him. A guy that cares about more than just a paycheck in the NFL.
