It seems like former NFL MVP Cam Newton has found himself in hot water again, this time for some harsh criticism aimed at rising women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark. The outspoken former MVP recently made some less-than-flattering comments about the young athlete, and it has caused quite a stir in the sports world.
Newton, who is no stranger to controversy, didn’t hold back when discussing Clark. He criticized her playing style, saying that she needs to work on how to physically deal with opponents.
Clark’s opponents have noticeably gotten rather physical against her, and officials frequently fail to blow whistles on instances where she is clearly fouled.
That notion reared its ugly head a week ago when Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky delivered an unnecessary shoulder check on Clark after making a two-point basket in the third quarter of their game. Officials called a standard foul on Carter at the time, but the WNBA later reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant foul.
While countless fans have expressed disgust and frustration with the amount of physical contact Clark has taken from her opponents, Newton took a different approach during the latest edition of his “4th & 1 with Cam Newton” show:
“Why are we actin’ as if she’s America’s sweetheart in a league that, she’s in a league full of hyenas and lions, tigers and bears? Everybody is comin’ after you to try to dethrone you, and trying to get in your head-mentally, physically, emotionally. And this is just an example of that.
“Nobody is above getting checked or being disliked. So, Caitlin, welcome to the big leagues. Everybody ain’t gonna like you. Everybody not gon’ like the fact that you just are as young as you are and you’re the face of the WNBA. They’re not gonna like the fact that Nike just dropped a big boy bag on you. So, yeah…what did Steve Smith say? You gotta ice up, son.”
This dust-up between Newton and Clark serves as a reminder that sports is not just about what happens on the court. It’s also about the personalities and rivalries that make the games so entertaining. And if nothing else, it’s a good reminder to think before you speak – especially if you’re a former MVP with a big platform.
Flip to the next page to watch Cam Newton speak…