NFL players’ popularity has grown tenfold over the years, and so have their heated encounters with fans, with the rise of social media. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was recently involved in one such incident when he refused to sign an autograph for a fan on a flight. The fan, in turn, recorded a video of Chase, which went viral.
While Chase remained composed throughout the clip, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton didn’t. He was left fuming when the 2015 MVP checked out the footage during the Thursday, June 26 episode of his “4th&1 With Cam Newton” podcast.
Former NFL QB Cam Newton Backs Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase Over Flight Incident
Chase was recently approached by a fan on a flight and refused to sign an autograph. The fan immediately started recording the video and added text that said, “Should’ve signed that auto, and I wouldn’t have blown your cover.”
Chase managed to stay composed despite seemingly getting angry, and Newton not only praised the receiver’s attitude, but he also went on to teach the fans about the ethic.
“Shout out to Ja’Marr Chase for staying composed, and I’m glad that you didn’t get a dog on picture, you cornball,” Newton said. “I’m glad he didn’t take the time out of his day to give you what you want. You’re not a real fan, bro, and this is a message to all fans: if you’re a real fan of that person, you have to respect him as a human being first, an athlete second. He reserves the right, or she reserves the right, to be able to tell you no.”
Newton argued that asking someone for an autograph or a picture was different from telling them to do it. The former MVP added that just like athletes don’t intrude into other people’s lives, fans shouldn’t either.
“If you’re asking me, I reserve the right to say, ‘No, bro, I’m not. I don’t want to do it.’ And you have to be fine with that,” Newton continued. “You know what I’m saying? We don’t come over to your cubicle or go to your workplace and just tell you, ‘Hey, bro, give me a pen. Hey, bro, move over, slide over.’ Like, no, dog, we’re not your circus monkey, we’re not your parrot, parakeet, whatever.”
While Newton acknowledged that some people usually never realize they are disrespectful, he urged them to understand that athletes were also human.
“It’s hard, man, because a lot of times people don’t respect the person, and even though you say, ‘Oh man, like I’m just a big fan.’ Yeah, but if you’re a big fan, bro, you understand that I’m human,” added Newton.
Newton explained how these situations often play out in his life, highlighting the pressure he feels when fans and their families expect him always to be available, regardless of what he might be going through.
“This has happened to me so many different times where parents throw their children on you, and it’s like, ‘Bro, I’m not in that mood. Like, oh man, I just missed my flight, you know what I’m saying, like, ‘Bro, I just got bad news over the phone, I’m like, I’m not in the best mood right now.’ We can’t keep allowing you to treat us like we’re at your disposal for your entertainment.”
Newton’s commentary underlines a growing problem for athletes in the world of social media stardom, where every move is scrutinized.
As the former Panthers signal-caller emphasized, fans should recognize that athletes are human too, and there are times when they simply may not be able to meet every request for attention or interaction.