FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – A high school football player who was seen in a video that spoke ill of Cam Newton apologized to the 2015 Most Valuable NFL Player after the exchange between them went viral.
An abbreviated part of the video, in which Newton was repeatedly insulted as a candidate for a free agent who was “about to be poor”, generated a passionate reaction from Newton’s colleagues in the NFL. It took place at a 7-on-7 football tournament, with Newton coaching his longtime team through his charitable foundation.
The player, Jseth Owens of Perkiomen Valley High School in Pennsylvania, apologized as part of a written apology on Twitter.
@CameronNewton @barstoolsports @over time @ESPN pic.twitter.com/eBTg1tnnzI
– jseth owens (@ jsethowens_5) February 22, 2021
The previous Sunday, Newton shared an extensive video of the exchange on Instagram, with a message explaining why he was trying to talk to the player’s father.
“People often forget themselves as athletes who are often seen on TV – loved by many, hated by some – we are real parents, real friends, real brothers, real children, real human beings. when I participate in tournaments across the country with my star team, I have dedicated my time, my energy and my experience to these kids who have been on our program for over 11 years and that’s not what people want to hear or even see .
“People want to see me arguing with another young person and see me ‘take action’. But the truth is this, I have an impact on children’s lives in a positive way. Make no mistake, I allow children to realize their “out” by using their football talents to take them to the next level and, in most cases, out of the hood. “
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette, New Orleans Saints defensive team Cameron Jordan, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron and Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons were among the players of the NFL who tweeted their support for Newton.
Some children of this generation do not appreciate the fact that professional players are taking the time to put on a love show and they have the nerve to do so. Http://t.co/BO2x40H9EA
– Darius Slay (@ bigplay24slay) February 21, 2021
Any young athlete watching this video, please don’t be that kid. Do not miss the chance to learn something from someone who has been yours at the highest level in this sport … STAY HUMBLE https://t.co/ BCmGPK8w1W
– 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) February 21, 2021
lil boy was talking CRAZY … def should have been kicked out of camp … https://t.co/IXYC1a8itg
– cameron jordan (@ camjordan94) February 21, 2021
he didn’t activate the social networks, give the children to say whatever it is without respect .. lol boy entered the cam shirt 😂 that “i’m rich” having ppl about their feelings 😂 #MVPCam (Cam has always been one of my favorites) ✊🏾 https://t.co/Sf4FJpkj3q
– Eric Ebron (@ Ebron85) February 21, 2021
He tried to be funny in front of his friends instead of asking a big guy like Cam, how to overcome adversity and be an MVP in a league that you have a 1% chance of making. Smh.
AT AN EVENT, HE DOESN’T NEED TO BE … to support you ..? https://t.co/RNcBEyyccz
– Justin Simmons (@ jsimms1119) February 21, 2021
Newton, who spent the 2020 season with the New England Patriots after nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He said on the podcast “I Am Athlete” that it will be released on Monday that he has no plans to retire.
“Of course not! I can’t go out like this,” he said referring to a season of ups and downs in 2020 when the Patriots were between 7 and 9. “I hear all this talk. My pride doesn’t allow me to do that. No there are 32 better guys than me. “