Cam Newton did not need long to turn Jed York’s arrest into a geography debate.
While discussing the San Francisco 49ers owner’s arrest in Ohio, Newton veered into a riff about the state’s reputation for producing attractive people. That detour eventually brought LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, into the conversation.
Cam Newton Brings Up Savannah James During Jed York Discussion
York was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, after police said he responded to an undercover advertisement posted on a prostitution website. Reuters reported that York used the name “Joe” and contacted the ad multiple times before arranging to meet the person he believed was a sex worker.
On his “4th&1” podcast, Newton questioned why a billionaire would put himself in the situation that led to York’s arrest, then joked that Ohio is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when he thinks about attractive people.
“I ain’t never heard the state of Ohio producing some absolute bangers,” Newton said.
Newton acknowledged that “there’s baddies everywhere and there’s bums everywhere.”
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He then said that when he thinks of Ohio, LeBron is the first person who comes to mind.
“Savannah James up there too. Now, that is a banger,” Newton said.
Newton quickly added a qualifier for LeBron.
“Respectfully, LeBron, I’m just letting you know that your wife is beautiful,” he added. “I respect that. But I ain’t crossing over the road. I’m just letting you know that she is pretty.”
The joke had at least one obvious Ohio connection. Savannah grew up in Akron, where she and LeBron met as teenagers.
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Newton also mentioned Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Canton while continuing the bit before arguing that Miami, Los Angeles, and New York are more likely destinations for someone specifically looking for nightlife and attractive people.
The entire tangent stemmed from a much more serious story involving York.
Jed York’s Ohio Arrest Remains Under NFL Review
Authorities initially charged York with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. The prostitution charge was later amended to disorderly conduct as part of a plea agreement.
York pleaded no contest Monday to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. He received concurrent one-day jail sentences, with credit for time already served, and paid $1,150 in fines. The NFL is reviewing the matter under its Personal Conduct Policy.
The 49ers said in a statement that the legal matter had been resolved and declined further comment. Head coach Kyle Shanahan later said the situation had no effect on the team’s football operations.
PFN has also covered the broader reaction to York’s arrest, which has included criticism from former players, media personalities, and fans.
Newton took a different route. His discussion started with the circumstances surrounding York and somehow ended with him giving LeBron a respectful disclaimer before complimenting Savannah.
For an arrest story, that is quite a conversational detour.
