NFL examining why Cam Newton skipped media availability
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was blasting music in front of his locker and didn't take part in scheduled media time Thursday, according to ESPN and the Associated Press.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN the league was looking into why Newton didn't speak with the media, which could warrant a fine.
"I just found out,'' Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "I thought he had a press conference today, but apparently not.''
The 2015 MVP ― like all headline players ― must be available for media sessions each week during the season.
This is the first time Newton has skipped a session since he made sexist remarks toward Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue on Oct. 4 when she asked him a question about routes.
"It's funny to hear a female reporter talk about routes," Newton said at the time. He later issued an apology via video on Twitter.
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Rodrigue, who also later apologized for racist tweets on her Twitter timeline from several years earlier, didn't return to the Panthers beat until Wednesday. Newton didn't meet with media that day, either.
Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond, who spoke with Newton in front of his locker during the availability time, said he had no explanation as to why Newton wouldn't engage.
The Panthers play the Bears in Chicago on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Contributing: Associated Press
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