Written by Steven Ruiz at For The Win.com
Every aspect of Cam Newton’s performance in Super Bowl 50 has been picked apart in the days after the Panthers’ loss. From Newton not diving on a loose ball late in the fourth quarter to walking out of the postgame press conference, we’ve heard criticism of Newton for his actions during and after the game.
Now former Giants coach Jim Fassel has a problem with Newton’s pregame attire, specifically the gold cleats he donned during warm ups. Here’s what Fassel had to say on a Mile High Sports radio show:
“All of the numbers pointed to Carolina. And when I saw Cam Newton walk out in gold shoes, MVP, I switched my mind right then. I said that’s not what a starting quarterback, MVP, leading his team — and I had a lot of respect for him during the season — that’s not what happens. You don’t do that. And I said this guy’s already become soft and that’s what he was.
And you know what? Ghost of Elway got it because — you remember John Elway in the Super Bowl, when he did the twirly move and three guys hit him in the air while he was diving in the end zone. And that’s what you want in the Super Bowl.”
OK, we have a lot to unpack here. Let’s start with the gold cleats.Newton has worn flashy cleats during pregame warm-ups every week for the last few seasons. It’s likely a marketing ploy for Under Armour to show off designs Newton would not be able to wear during a game without being fined by the NFL. The Panthers had only lost one game all season prior to the Super Bowl, so the thought that these particularly cleats had anything to do with the Panthers losing is absurd.
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