Cam Newton has addressed the controversy that erupted at the OT7 tournament , where players from the South Florida Express were caught on camera stomping on his Auburn jersey. The act, seen as deeply disrespectful, occurred just before a high-stakes 7-on-7 game between South Florida Express and Newton’s team, C1N. While C1N went on to win the game 39-17, the heated debate over sportsmanship and adult supervision quickly stole the spotlight.
Newton takes aim at coaching conduct, not the kids
The former NFL MVP didn’t hold back as he took aim at Geno Smith , who was coaching the South Florida Express during the incident. Newton made it clear that he doesn’t blame the young players for the stunt, but rather the adults who allowed it to happen. His comments came during the latest episode of the 4th&1 podcast, where he gave his take on the incident that went viral online.
“My issue isn’t with the kids. My issue is with the adult that allowed the kids to do it,” Newton stated at the 21:30 mark of the episode. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the leadership, not the youth involved in the act. Newton added that had the roles been reversed, he would have immediately intervened.
Newton demands accountability from adults on the sidelines
The 2015 NFL MVP explained that he only learned about Smith’s involvement with the SFE program recently. What troubled Newton most was the perceived lack of accountability from the coaching side, especially from someone with NFL status. He questioned how a figure like Smith could let such a blatant display of disrespect go unchecked.
“Now, I didn’t know Geno Smith’s involvement with South Florida Express prior to this past week. But if the C1N kids had a Geno Smith jersey, and they proceeded to stomp on it, I would’ve stopped it instantly,” Newton said. “So when I see actions like these … there was an adult behind this and they allowed it. And that’s what was most disrespectful about this whole situation.”