Panthers’ Steve Smith Unhappy with Cam Newton
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J. Meric/Getty Images(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith says he ripped Cam Newton about his actions during the fourth quarter of their 36-7 blowout loss to the New York Giants on Thursday night.
Newton was benched late in the game and was seen sulking on the bench instead of cheering on backup quarterback Derek Anderson and the rest of his teammates.
The second-year quarterback threw three interceptions in the loss. Head Coach Ron Rivera replaced Newton after the third interception was thrown and the Panthers trailing by 26 points.
Smith is a team captain and felt that something needed to be said to the 23-year-old Newton about staying postitive during adverse times on the field.
“I lit into him because I thought it was an opportunity for him to see and understand what was going on. This is more than about playing football. It’s about becoming a man and understanding what this is,” Smith said.
This is the second straight season Newton’s teammates have questioned his actions on the sideline.
The Panthers have the weekend off before preparing for a week four matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
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