Cam Newton's sexist comment to a reporter Wednesday was "just plain wrong," an NFL spokesman said in a statement, referring to the Panthers quarterback's response to a question from Charlotte Observer sports writer Jourdan Rodrigue.
According to NBC Sports, Newton smirked and said, "It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes," after Rodrigue asked about the physical pass routes run by receiver Devin Funchess.
Rodrigue, who has been the beat reporter for the Carolina Panthers for a year, according to Charlotte Observer, took to Twitter after the incident to address the comment.
"I don't think it's 'funny' to be a female and talk about routes," she said. "I think it's my job."
When asked if she'd spoken to Newton about the incident, Rodrigue replied that she had, but it didn't do any good.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy responded in an email to NBC Sports saying that Newton's comments were "just plain wrong and disrespectful to the exceptional female reporters and all journalists who cover our league."
McCarthy also added that Newton's comments in no way represent the thinking of the league.
While many social media users have been sympathetic toward Rodrigue, others have commented on her seeming double standards. Some Twitter users pointed out some of her tweets from 2012 and 2013 in which she seems to encourage racism.
KWTV News 9 reported the incident on Facebook, asking users what they thought. Many used the post as an opportunity to mention that Newton too has double standards saying he can't be an advocate for equality and practice sexism.
Many users on social media defended Newton, saying he'd just used a bad turn of phrase while others simply thought there were more important things to be worrying about.
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