The NFL Will Investigate Why Cam Newton Skipped His Press Conference Today

NFL rules stipulate that star players must hold court with the press each week before games. Cam Newton skipped out on his press duties this afternoon, and the NFL has apparently decided to investigate, according to a spokesman for the league. Neither the Panthers nor coach Ron Rivera said why Newton didn’t speak to reporters, and this is the first time Newton has missed a presser this year.

So, why wouldn’t he face the press today? Could it have anything to do with the remarks he made to Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue about how “it’s funny to hear a female talk about routes”? Coincidentally enough, Rodrigue just came back to the locker room yesterday (she took some time off after apologizing for old offensive tweets.) Newton also did not talk to the media yesterday. Imagine that!

Rodrigue took time off after the incident and was not at Newton’s other availabilities. She returned to the beat for the first time on Wednesday, when Newton normally holds his weekly news conference. He also did not speak that day.

Newton—who was at practice today apparently blasting “loud music” throughout the entirety of the media open locker room session—potentially could be fined by the NFL, depending how their investigation shakes out.

[ ESPN]