Cam Newton defends himself for not diving on fumble

The prevailing logic, though, was that Newton simply didn’t want to get injured, and diving into a pile of linemen would put his safety at risk.

Carolina coach Ron Rivera said his star would “learn and grow from this situation” and retired running back Marshall Faulk agreed. But I think it’s also obvious he’s still maturing. Nor will it silence those who dislike Newton and have been outspoken in the days since the Panthers lost. “I can tell you that”, Newton said.

“I don’t know what you want me to say, I’m sorry”.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. And I’ve seen so much blown out of proportion”, started Newton. “I am my own person”.

Added Newton: “I have said it since Day 1”. I know what I’m capable of and I know where I am going.

“I don’t have to conform to anybody else’s wants for me”.

Sure he was deeply disappointed – ok, downright ticked off – about losing a game that, by all rights, Carolina had umpteen chances to win. “If I offended anyone, that’s cool …” I didn’t dive down. “He hates to lose, that’s the bottom line”, Rivera said. “So why should we be all smiles when the game is over?”

“Important thing is, it’s going to be his decision”, Elway said. Newton said he was trying to avoid hurting his leg.

Super Bowl MVP Von Miller couldn’t resist making a joke at Denver teammate Peyton Manning’s expense Tuesday while appearing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”.

Speaking with the media is optional on exit day at the end of the season, but Newton wanted to address the criticism directed at him since then. I think everyone on our team is not happy, so why should we be all smiles after? Archie Manning said his son texted Saints coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees from the locker room in Miami. Come hell or high water, they were getting Peyton Manning that second Super Bowl ring, potentially sending him off into the sunset the right way.