Carolina Panthers: Did Cam Newton cross the line?

With a 9-0 record, the Carolina Panthers are having the best season in franchise history. In Carolina’s latest game, star quarterback Cam Newton put on yet another great performance, completing 21 of 26 passes for 217 yards and two all-purpose touchdowns. Newton and the Panthers steamrolled the listless Tennessee Titans 27-10 and clearly look part of a Super Bowl contender.

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As it turns out, Newton’s end zone celebration against the Titans has recently been the target of negative publicity. With 2:42 remaining in the game and the Panthers up by ten, Newton burrowed into the end zone on third down and extended the football over the goal line. This score essentially salted the game away and Newton was certainly aware of it.

Feeling pumped up about a hard earned road win, Newton engaged in a series of dance moves in the end zone. Apparently, the Tennessee defense took exception to Newton’s arm and leg gyrations. Titans’ linebacker Avery Williamson along with some other defenders physically confronted Newton as they must of felt he was showing off too much. Newton brushed aside the disgruntled Titans’ players and continued his celebratory dance.

In addition to making some enemies on the field, Newton even managed to offend some of the spectators in attendance. According to ESPN.com’s David Newton, a Nashville resident who attended the game with her 9-year-old daughter, sent the Charlotte Observer a note she wrote to Newton questioning whether he set a good example with his dance called the “dab.”Part of this letter described the brashness of Newton’s conduct of the end zone and how frightening it was for her daughter to witness.

Nov 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts in the end zone toward Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) after scoring a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Carolina won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Because of such outrage from opponents and fans alike, did Cam Newton simply go too far with his end zone escapades? First of all, I find it pretty embarrassing that the Titans’ defense took exception to Newton’s theatrics. If Tennessee really wanted to stop Newton from celebrating in the end zone, they should have penetrated the line of scrimmage and confronted him in the backfield. Unfortunately for the Titans, penetrating the backfield during goal line situations takes more will power, skill, and desire than they currently have.

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As for the fan who actually took the time to write a letter to the Charlotte Observer, it is apparent to me that before last Sunday, she has never been to a football game before. After reading her letter, I question whether or not she even understands what football is all about.

Pro football is a brutal spectacle in which the combatants scrap and claw for every inch of real estate.In order to progress up and down the field, athletes have to battle the elements and also one another. During these battles, there are heavy tolls that need to be paid by the combatants. Bloodshed, broken bones, and severe head trauma are just some of the every day realities of paying these tolls.

With so much brutality on the line during each and every play, the players must play the game with a high level of intensity at all times. Sometimes, this intensity spills out when players like Newton celebrate their success.

Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) reacts with quarterback Cam Newton (1) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to clever marketing, stylish merchandise, and fantasy football leagues, pro football does a nice job of packaging itself as entertainment for the entire family. However, if we examine the actual essence of pro football at its core, nothing can be further from the truth. It is not a nice game and it is not for the faint of heart. It is a ruthless game in which the combatants act out the role of paid assassins whose sole responsibility is to inflict serious damage on anybody standing in their way.

Pro football does not offer this type of disclaimer to the viewing public. Therefore, I can understand why a football novice such as the woman who wrote to the Charlotte Observer would be offended by its content. It should be expressed to those unfamiliar with the game that pro football stadiums contain plenty of collisions, lots of physical violence, rowdy fans, and cocky athletes like Cam Newton who look for every opportunity to show up their opposition.

Next: Carolina Panthers: Grades in win over Tennessee Titans

Sports fans know that watching a football game on TV doesn’t have the same feel as seeing it live. Going to a football game is a very emotional event that envelopes the entire arena. The vicious action on the field not only fires up the players to perform at an even higher level of intensity, but it also insights all the fans in attendance to scream even louder. That being the case, if this type of atmosphere intimidates you or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, I suggest you take your daughter to a petting zoo instead.

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