Cam Newton made headlines earlier this season when he publicly complained that he's not officiated like the other elite quarterbacks in the NFL. He cited a number of big blows to his head in the pocket that weren't penalized, claiming that guys like Drew Brees and Tom Brady would've drawn flags. He eventually spoke with commissioner Roger Goodell about the matter.
Newton was again involved in a controversial no-call on Monday night, but rather than complain again, he took ownership of his own mistake.
The reigning MVP scrambled out of the pocket before taking a late slid in the second quarter in Washington. The defender in front of him made contact with the crown of Newton's helmet, and Cam responded by gently flipping the ball at him.
A penalty flag was thrown, but it was for taunting on Newton rather than the hit.
(Continue article below)
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Outrage immediately proliferated on social media, but rather than rant about the no-call, Newton focused on his own mistake of throwing the ball at Redskins player.
From ESPN's David Newton:
“I've got to be better than that,” Newton said. “That just can't happen on my part. I just have to let the referees do their job, and obviously, it was a questionable hit, but I can't throw the ball at a person. That's against the rules too.”
…
“I'm not going to beat a dead horse. I just can't retaliate in that way; I'm better than that, I know I am,” Newton said following the game against the Redskins. “I can't jeopardize that type of play for my team.”
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