Carolina Panthers star player Cam Newton greatest mistake at Super Bowl 50 was off the field

Cam Newton, 26, intelligent, gifted quarterback, decided to act in his moment of truth like a 10-year-old, during the post-game press conference after losing Super Bowl 50 with the world watching said PR Expert Jay Mathis. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) February 09, 2016 - SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Super Bowl 50 was a historic night watched by millions all over the world. Many, had their eyes on Georgia native Cam Newton. The young quarterback was sacked six times, fumbled when Von Miller tossed him to the turf. Newton had a less than stellar night. However, his humiliation came after the game, and it was self-imposed.

Newton, 26, intelligent, gifted quarterback, decided to act in his moment of truth like a 10-year-old. He slouched into the interview room late, well after a number of his teammates, rookies and veterans alike, had gamely answered one painful question after another.

He took a seat, wearing a blue sweatshirt hood pulled low over his face. He made eye contact with only the floor for most if not all the interview.

Many of the reporters that asked questions during the post-game interview took it easy on Newton realizing that Cam was disappointed from just losing what was the biggest game of his career thus far. For more than a minute, he stared at the floor, scratched his chin, curled his lip and sulked.

(On losing Super Bowl 50) "They just played better than us. I don't know what you want me to say. They made more plays than us, and that's what it came down to. We had our opportunities. There wasn't nothing special that they did. We dropped balls. We turned the ball over, gave up sacks, threw errant passes. That's it. They scored more points than we did."

(On his message to Panthers fans and supporters) "We'll Be Back."

(On why the Panthers did not play the way they normally play) "They outplayed us."

(On what Coach Rivera said in the locker room) "He told us a lot of thing."

(On if Denver did anything differently on defense) "Nothing different."

(On if he can put his disappointment into words) "We Lost."

(On if Denver changed anything to take away the Panthers' running lanes) "No."

He offered a few more uncommunicative answers and then got up abruptly and walked away.

While there are many thoughts on his post-game interview here are mine: Cam Newton the marquee player for the Carolina Panthers known for his radiant smile, fashionable and entertaining presser's, on a world stage Cam had the opportunity to display true sportsmanship to an audience from young to old that was cheering him and his team all the way to Super Bowl 50.

I'm certain that there was a designer suit of some sort in the dressing room that Cam planned to wear for his victory speech had they won. Instead of the hoodie that covered his head; Cam should have put on that designer suit and walked to the podium if for nothing else but to thank all of his fans and supporters.

As a Public Relations Manager I would have encouraged him to change the narrative. The opportunity was present to turn that moment into something very magical that would be talked about for weeks, months and years to come. One last Dab at the post-game interview of Super Bowl 50 would have gone along way for fans near and far. But instead Cam let his charisma and leadership drain away, to be replaced by a sour attitude like a 10-year-old that didn't get his way. As I stood in the back of this crowded room filled with reporters; I was shocked by his response or should I say lack thereof.

Cam this isn't how it works. When you are on a world stage with millions watching, particularly kids that look up to you. You don't get to walk away. You don't get to display to little boys and girls across this country wearing your jersey and "Dabing" in support of you immature unsportsmanlike behavior. As an athlete you have a responsibility not just to win but to show leadership.

Newton's victory didn't come on the field in Super Bowl 50; but he was given a second chance for another victory at the post-game interview. Sadly, like the fumble of the ball in the forth quarter; he failed to jump on it. No many are saying that "other" have done it. While this may be true it doesn't make it right.

Panthers' PR team now has the next opportunity over the next few days to schedule Newton for a sit down interview to discuss this meltdown. How much he let his fans and supporters down on and off the field in Super Bowl 50 and offering a heart felt apology for his lack of sportsmanship. Will they do it? We'll have to wait and find out. As for Cam there is no doubt in mind that he'll be back one day. This mistake will hopefully be a lesson as experience is the best teacher. While I'm a die hard Pittsburgh fan; whatever the future holds for this young man, I'll be cheering him along the way.

About Jay Mathis
Jay Mathis is a Public Relations Practitioner & Crisis Manager specializing in the representation of high-profile figures such as Celebrity Athletes, Politicians, Legal & Health Care Professionals. Twitter: ( @ ) RJMConsults

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