Guest Writer: Joey Haim
Cam Newton and the Panthers lost to the Eagles on Thursday night in week 6. He was upset.. rightfully so. Losing stinks. There was no dabbing after the game. I also didn’t see him seek out Carson Wentz for the post game obligatory QB hand shake. After all, if he did utter the words “good game,” that would have made him (gulp!) a good sport!!
I cannot remember an athlete over the last 3 decades who when things are going good has the biggest smile on his face but when things go sour, you will never find a bigger wah wah on the sidelines. There is an old adage in sports that says find me a good loser and I’ll give you a loser. Wrong!! Recently retired wide receiver Steve Smith famously got in Cam’s face early in his career for how he conducted himself on the sidelines after throwing an interception. Is there a position in professional sports that screams LEADER more than starting quarterback in the NFL?
Be happy when you win. Celebrate when you score. Dazzle. Dance. Dab. Losing is when your true character shows. Remember his tantrum in front of reporters in the press room after they LOST to the Broncos in the Super Bowl? Would he have conducted himself in the same way had they won? Nope. Now take that other guy.. Mr. Manning who was the victor that day. He wins & loses with dignity. Gives credit to the other team & would never dream of pinning the loss on anyone but himself.
Cam, you got the goods!! You have children. Millions of kids look up to you. Show them what class could look like. I have faith. The cameras are always on. That S on your chest should stand for SUPER GOOD SPORT!! Let’s get you some of those advertisers back. I’m a fan dude. Flash that million dollar smile more often. Win or lose.. whether you like it or not, you are a role model. We expect more..