Former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has weighed in on Cam Newton’s controversial comments about the Carolina Panthers’ locker room in 2011.
Ron Rivera Gives His Thoughts on Cam Newton’s Comments
Newton, Carolina’s first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, described the team he joined as a “locker room full of losers,” which didn’t sit well with former teammates. Now, Newton’s former head coach, Ron Rivera, chimed in.
Rivera’s first year with the Panthers was also in 2011, and he led Carolina through 2019, including their Super Bowl appearance in the 2015 season.
In an interview with The Athletic, Rivera stated, “Sometimes things are better left unsaid and I’d loved to have seen him be a little more diplomatic. Just because a lot of those guys on that 2010 team became some of those guys that went to the Super Bowl in 2015. It’s unfortunate he made the comments and now he’s just gotta live with them and own up.”
Newton’s comments came during a podcast appearance where he was advising Colorado Buffaloes two-way phenom Travis Hunter about potentially being drafted first overall.
Newton’s former teammates jumped all over the remarks.
Former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was irritated and declared he was “done” with his old quarterback.
Former Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn called the comments “a slap in the face” and “crazy,” pointing out that Carolina’s 2008 roster nearly secured the No. 1 seed in a playoff run cut short by Kurt Warner’s upstart Arizona Cardinals.
On his own podcast, “4th and 1 with Cam Newton,” he doubled down on his criticism, “When did we become so sensitive to really speaking what the reality is? A locker room full of losers? Aggressive, but it’s true.” Newton clarified that he was referring to the overall team culture before his rookie season rather than specific players.
Since leaving the NFL, Newton has been a lightning rod for his controversial statements. It’s doubtful Rivera’s message to be more diplomatic will resonate with the former MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Newton thrives in the muck and mud. His highly opinionated and strong-willed nature is driving his off-the-field career as a talking head.