Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton came under fire Wednesday (Oct. 4) when a video was released of him laughing at a female reporter asking him a question about routes.
Charlotte Observer beat reporter Jourdan Rodrigue asked Newton during Wednesday's news conference about wide receiver Devin Funchess embracing the physicality of routes and if Newton enjoyed that.
Newton responded, "It's funny to hear a female talk about routes like -- it's funny."
Panthers director of communications Steven Drummond said in a statement that he spoke with Newton and Rodrique "and I know they had a conversation where he expressed regret for using those words. We strive as a department to make the environment for media comfortable for everyone covering the team."
Rodrigue later responded to the situation on Twitter, writing, "I don't think it's 'funny' to be a female and talk about routes. I think it's my job," adding, "I spoke with him after and it was worse. I chose not to share, because I have an actual job to do today and one he will not keep me from."
A source close to the situation told ESPN that Newton did not apologize.
Many female sports reporters took to Twitter to express their disappointment and share misogynistic situations they've gone through as well, some including Newton.
The Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) said in a statement that it "is very discouraged by Cam Newton's disrespectful remarks and actions directed to a female reporter during today's Carolina Panthers press conference. As a watchdog group, AWSM demands fair treatment and positive workplace environments for women working in sports media."
Check out video of Cam above.
