CAM NEWTON'S REACTION WAS EMOTIONAL & UNDERSTANDABLE

Let me start by saying that I do not want to justify Cam Newton's actions. Walking out on a post game press conference probably wasn't the best option. What I am saying is that I do not buy into all the negativity that surrounded his actions, and I do not agree with the character assassination that he has been a target of as a result.

There's so much that people don't want to consider. First being that post game interviews are incredibly redundant. If you watch enough sports, and enough post game interviews, you can probably guess which series of questions would be asked on any given day. For the losing team, it adds to the stress and negative emotions.

Then consider the post game interview setting. ESPN posted a video of the interview with Cam. He is seated at the table, giving short yet direct responses to the questions asked to him. You can clearly hear Chris Harris of the Broncos discussing what the game plan had been. It was set up so that both teams shared a single space for the post game interview, and the only divider was a black curtain. Personally, I find the setting incredibly unprofessional. There is no reason why the opposing team should be heard while you conduct a post game interview. It's disrespectful to the person you are interviewing. Regardless of the win or loss, it's just a less than ideal setting.

Even before this incident people have called Cam arrogant and cocky. Over a dance? Because suddenly he is the only player in the history of the NFL to celebrate his wins? Let's focus on the fact that he walked out on the post game interview, and completely ignore the fact that he congratulated Peyton Manning with a huge smile. "I've been on that side of it," Manning said of Cam. "It's tough, and it's not an easy pill to swallow. But he was very nice to me and I appreciated that." But that's arrogance, right?

It's so much easier to vilify him than to attempt to understand the thought process. I'm sorry, was Manning vilified in 2010 when he walked off the field without so much as acknowledging the New Orleans Saints players after the Colts lost to them 37 - 17? No... that was passion. He was upset, and he allowed his emotions to make the call. Completely different from what Cam did... except it's the exact same thing! Funny that the same passion one player is praised and respected for, is what makes another cocky.

Oh but his responses were short, and he had an attitude. I'm sorry, how many post-game interviews have you watched? Which athlete, when interviewed after a loss, is verbose and boisterous? I'll wait... Oh, what was that? None? Yea... that's what I thought you'd say. Even Mariano Rivera, who is arguably the most humble athlete I have ever watched, was curt with his responses after a loss. And let's face it, Derek Jeter was no picnic to interview after a loss either. That's not exclusive to Cam.

He's incredibly talented, proof of which came in the form of being named NFL MVP, and going into the Super Bowl having helped his team to a 19 - 1 season. No one can deny that he is a phenomenal player. He also pretty much wears his emotions on his sleeve. When he is happy, he celebrates. He sings and dances and enjoys himself. Why then did you expect his disappointment to be quiet and reserved? He busted his ass this season. He did so much more than what was expected from him. And then he lost on the big stage. Hell yes, that's disappointing. If he hadn't shown any emotions, I would question his passion for the game.

Again, him walking out of the interview probably wasn't a great call. But it is completely understandable. You can attempt to demonize his character for it and call him names, but who hasn't been so disappointed by a loss that they haven't needed to walk away? Emotions were running high. He was upset, angry, maybe even a little sad. He reacted. Knee jerk move, yes. But it does not make him the monster people want to paint him out to be.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804



 
Thank you for your loyalty to Bleeding Yankee Blue. 
Please shop at the BYB store!  
On Twitter: @BleednYankeeBlu 
On Facebook, LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue!
Don't forget to check out the BYB Hub.