Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has lost a sponsor, one day after he laughed at a female sports reporter's question.
- Food brand Dannon says it will no longer work with Cam Newton
- Panthers QB mocked female Charlotte reporter Wednesday
- 'It's funny to hear a female talk about routes,' Newton said
Officials with food brand Dannon announced they will no longer work with Newton following his response Wednesday to Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue.
Rodrigue asked Newton about wide receiver Devin Funchess' route running. The former league MVP smiled and said, "It's funny to hear a female talk about routes. It's funny."
The remark quickly made the rounds on social media, with many criticizing the player.
Michael J. Neuwirth, senior director of external communication at Danone Wave, said:
"We are shocked and disheartened at the behavior and comments of Cam Newton towards Jourdan Rodrigue, which we perceive as sexist and disparaging to all women. It is entirely inconsistent with our commitment to fostering equality and inclusion in every workplace. It's simply not OK to belittle anyone based on gender. We have shared our concerns with Cam and will no longer work with him."
Panthers director of communications Steven Drummond said Newton expressed regret to Rodrigue, but she tweeted that didn't happen.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Wednesday night in a statement that Newton's comments "are just plain wrong and disrespectful to the exceptional female reporters and all journalists who cover our league. They do not reflect the thinking of the league."