Scott Fowler: Bringing Cam Newton back to Panthers sure will be entertaining, if not successful
Scott Fowler, The Charlotte Observer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Say this for the Carolina Panthers: They don’t stay dull for long.
The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with former quarterback Cam Newton Thursday, pending a physical. So Super-Cam is back in the building, and the Panthers are going to dominate the news cycle for a while. It doesn’t get much bigger in the Carolinas than a Cam Newton comeback, unless the Panthers can also convince LaMelo Ball to give the NFL a go on Charlotte Hornet off days and then bring Steve Smith out of retirement to catch a couple of Newton’s passes.
Those last two things aren’t happening, but Newton as a Panther — again — is now, remarkably, a reality. At least for this season’s final eight games — Newton has only signed a one-year deal. Novelist and favorite N.C. son Thomas Wolfe famously wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again,” but the Panthers and Newton are going to give it a try.
Newton, 32, has been looking for a new employer since the New England Patriots fired him just before the season, instead deciding to go with rookie quarterback Mac “Happy Hunting” Jones. And now, as one reader wrote to me Thursday afternoon about his reaction:
Cam?! Damn!
The Panthers (4-5) and head coach Matt Rhule made their original decision on Newton about 18 months ago, first trying to trade him and then releasing him. It was a messy divorce. They went with Teddy Bridgewater instead for the 2020 season.
But so much water has flowed under the bridge since then. Bridgewater was here and gone after a year. The Panthers had ample opportunity to use the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 draft on a quarterback, but didn’t. Sam Darnold was the new great QB hope for Carolina, until he wasn’t. And now Darnold has a throwing shoulder injury that’s going to keep him out 4-6 weeks. Or more.
So the Panthers are like an aging rock band trying to play the hits one more time, and in this case, the encore performance actually makes some sense. The Panthers have a very good defense. If they could just raise their offense somewhere around the top 12-15 in the NFL, they still have a shot at reaching the playoffs as a wild card. Not a good shot, mind you. But a chance.
I’m on record writing (several times, in fact) that a Newton return would be a mistake, and that bringing him back is a lot like starting to date your ex again while conveniently forgetting why the two of you broke up in the first place.
Newton was 0-8 in his last eight starts for Carolina, remember. He couldn’t run anymore. His body was breaking down.
But to be fair, things have changed dramatically in the past few days. Darnold’s latest injury could technically be season-ending. The Panthers are now left with the exciting but inconsistent P.J. Walker — who will undoubtedly start Sunday against Arizona — and journeyman backup Matt Barkley in an iffy QB room.
So signing Newton — now fully vaccinated, thankfully — is a little like grasping at straws, yes. But Newton is a sturdy straw, one who won 68 games for the Panthers over nine years, was the No. 1 overall draft choice in 2011 and earned the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2015. He should wear No. 1 again; yes, it’s available.
And in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, where opposing fans have dominated the home crowd too often this season, he will bring the juice. No one ever was able to play to the crowd like Newton in his prime. At his best, the man was a walking, contagious bundle of joy. He will sell some tickets, and he will make people nostalgic, and he will find a way to give away some footballs, and none of that is a bad thing. Maybe he will win a lot, too, although I’m not convinced of that part.
That’s because Newton is not in his prime anymore. Far from it. But as far as the Panthers having this interest and conversation with him — a conversation first reported by The Charlotte Observer Thursday morning?
After the mess the Panthers have made for two straight years at quarterback, they needed to have it, and they’re not going to hurt anybody other than maybe Walker’s and Darnold’s pride by signing Newton. You can call this panicky or you can call it bold, and maybe it’s a little of both. But the Panthers had to do something. They had turned both boring and bad.
Ultimately, I don’t think signing Newton is going to make a lot of difference in Carolina’s win-loss record this year — he can’t play offensive line after all. I picked them 8-9 before the season; I still think they’ll wind up 8-9. But Newton’s signing (and of course he will play quickly) sure will be entertaining, and fans know that inherently.
Even though it’s not a magic bullet, I’m glad Cam Newton is coming back to Carolina, for the fun factor if nothing else.
Hey, this team’s offense couldn’t get much worse, right?
The Panthers are 1-5 over their past six games. They’ve scored exactly one touchdown over the past 12 quarters. It’s time to shake it up.
And there’s never been a disruptor quite like Cam.
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Rick Scuteri
The NFL, the NFL Players Association and their medical directors and independent infectious disease experts put together the protocols. The discipline for violating them was negotiated, with the league and union reaching agreement on specific fines for players. The NFL determines fines for franchises in violation of the protocols.
Rick Scuteri
The NFL, the NFL Players Association and their medical directors and independent infectious disease experts put together the protocols. The discipline for violating them was negotiated, with the league and union reaching agreement on specific fines for players. The NFL determines fines for franchises in violation of the protocols.
Dennis Young: ESPN’s Adam Schefter can’t stop embarrassing himself
Ed Zurga
They are broken down in several categories.
For any player who fails or refuses to fully cooperate with an investigation led by the NFL and/or NFLPA regarding compliance: one week’s salary up to $50,000. And for refusal to submit to required virus testing: $50,000.
For refusal to wear a tracking device when required: $14,650.
An unvaccinated player gathering in any number for any reason with other players and/or members of the club’s staff at a time when the team is “shut down” due to a COVID-19 outbreak is a $50,000 fine.
For any player who is not fully vaccinated, the $14,650 fine applies to:
— Gathering outside of the club facility or team travel in groups of more than three players or other individuals.
— Engaging in in-person meetings, practices and/or training activities outside of club facilities with other players and/or staff.
— Attending an indoor nightclub (unless the player is wearing personal protective equipment and there are no more than 10 people in the club). Or attending an indoor bar (other than to pick up food, or unless the player is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in the bar).
— House gatherings of more than 15 people without the player and all guests wearing masks or PPE, or where social distancing for the more than fifteen people is impossible.
— Attending an indoor music concert/entertainment event. And attending a professional sporting event (other than applicable NFL games or events; or unless the player is seated in a separate section, such as a suite or owner’s box, is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in that separate section).
— Attending an event that is prohibited by state and/or local regulation or other executive orders or laws implemented due to COVID-19.
— Refusal to wear a mask or PPE; and/or maintain physical distancing in club facilities or during travel.
Ed Zurga
They are broken down in several categories.
For any player who fails or refuses to fully cooperate with an investigation led by the NFL and/or NFLPA regarding compliance: one week’s salary up to $50,000. And for refusal to submit to required virus testing: $50,000.
For refusal to wear a tracking device when required: $14,650.
An unvaccinated player gathering in any number for any reason with other players and/or members of the club’s staff at a time when the team is “shut down” due to a COVID-19 outbreak is a $50,000 fine.
For any player who is not fully vaccinated, the $14,650 fine applies to:
— Gathering outside of the club facility or team travel in groups of more than three players or other individuals.
— Engaging in in-person meetings, practices and/or training activities outside of club facilities with other players and/or staff.
— Attending an indoor nightclub (unless the player is wearing personal protective equipment and there are no more than 10 people in the club). Or attending an indoor bar (other than to pick up food, or unless the player is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in the bar).
— House gatherings of more than 15 people without the player and all guests wearing masks or PPE, or where social distancing for the more than fifteen people is impossible.
— Attending an indoor music concert/entertainment event. And attending a professional sporting event (other than applicable NFL games or events; or unless the player is seated in a separate section, such as a suite or owner’s box, is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in that separate section).
— Attending an event that is prohibited by state and/or local regulation or other executive orders or laws implemented due to COVID-19.
— Refusal to wear a mask or PPE; and/or maintain physical distancing in club facilities or during travel.
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Bruce Kluckhohn
The NFL was not specific on that, but Rodgers had been seen without a mask at the Packers' facility, particularly during news conferences.
Rodgers, who in August said he was “immunized” against COVID-19, said Tuesday: “I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading. To anybody who felt misled by those comments, I take full responsibility for those comments.”
Rodgers said Friday that he sought alternative treatments rather than the NFL-endorsed vaccinations because he is allergic to an ingredient in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. He didn’t specify the ingredient.
Bruce Kluckhohn
The NFL was not specific on that, but Rodgers had been seen without a mask at the Packers' facility, particularly during news conferences.
Rodgers, who in August said he was “immunized” against COVID-19, said Tuesday: “I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading. To anybody who felt misled by those comments, I take full responsibility for those comments.”
Rodgers said Friday that he sought alternative treatments rather than the NFL-endorsed vaccinations because he is allergic to an ingredient in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. He didn’t specify the ingredient.
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Tony Dejak
The NFL may impose discipline on such players or ones who knowingly provide misleading or incomplete information during a contact tracing interview. The maximum fine amount is for one week’s game check up to $50,000 for a first offense. But there could be subsequent discipline for further offenses.
Tony Dejak
The NFL may impose discipline on such players or ones who knowingly provide misleading or incomplete information during a contact tracing interview. The maximum fine amount is for one week’s game check up to $50,000 for a first offense. But there could be subsequent discipline for further offenses.
Dennis Young: ESPN’s Adam Schefter can’t stop embarrassing himself
Charlie Riedel
Yes — based upon the absence of just cause; whether the player actually was engaged in such conduct; whether the punishment imposed by the NFL was warranted for that conduct; and a variety of other allowable bases.
Rodgers appealed the decision to not accept his treatments as equal to a vaccination but lost the appeal. He has not yet appealed Tuesday's fine and has not indicated he will do so.
Charlie Riedel
Yes — based upon the absence of just cause; whether the player actually was engaged in such conduct; whether the punishment imposed by the NFL was warranted for that conduct; and a variety of other allowable bases.
Rodgers appealed the decision to not accept his treatments as equal to a vaccination but lost the appeal. He has not yet appealed Tuesday's fine and has not indicated he will do so.
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Ross D. Franklin
Repeat violations would subject players to increased discipline, including for conduct detrimental to the game. A maximum fine of one week’s salary and/or suspension without pay for four weeks or less would be imposed.
Ross D. Franklin
Repeat violations would subject players to increased discipline, including for conduct detrimental to the game. A maximum fine of one week’s salary and/or suspension without pay for four weeks or less would be imposed.
Dennis Young: ESPN’s Adam Schefter can’t stop embarrassing himself
Phelan M. Ebenhack
All 32 NFL teams are required to ensure a safe environment not only at their facilities but at stadiums and during travel. They also are required to monitor the actions of players and staff, which includes taking around-the-clock videos at their facilities.
Players also must inform the team if they are vaccinated, and those who are not must adhere to specific protocols for them. The NFL found that the Packers did not handle these situations properly.
Phelan M. Ebenhack
All 32 NFL teams are required to ensure a safe environment not only at their facilities but at stadiums and during travel. They also are required to monitor the actions of players and staff, which includes taking around-the-clock videos at their facilities.
Players also must inform the team if they are vaccinated, and those who are not must adhere to specific protocols for them. The NFL found that the Packers did not handle these situations properly.
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Michael Conroy
Yes, but it is unlikely. After several teams were discovered to have violated protocols in 2020 — leading to COVID-19 outbreaks and, at times, schedule adjustments — only one, New Orleans, was stripped of a 2022 sixth-round pick. The Saints were sanctioned by the league for inconsistent cooperation. The Packers have not been cited for that.
Michael Conroy
Yes, but it is unlikely. After several teams were discovered to have violated protocols in 2020 — leading to COVID-19 outbreaks and, at times, schedule adjustments — only one, New Orleans, was stripped of a 2022 sixth-round pick. The Saints were sanctioned by the league for inconsistent cooperation. The Packers have not been cited for that.
Scott Fowler: Bringing Cam Newton back to Panthers sure will be entertaining, if not successful
Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/TNS
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrates tight end Chris Manhertz's 50-yard touchdown pass reception from running back Christian McCaffrey during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. (Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/TNS)
Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/TNS
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrates tight end Chris Manhertz's 50-yard touchdown pass reception from running back Christian McCaffrey during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. (Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/TNS)
