FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – A high school football player who was seen in a video talking garbage Cam Newton has apologized to the most valuable player in the NFL in 2015 after the exchange between them went viral.
An abbreviated part of the video, in which Newton repeatedly mocked being a free agent who was about to become poor, provoked a passionate reaction from Newton’s NFL teammates. It took place in a 7-on-7 football tournament, with Newton coaching his longtime team through his charity.
The player, Jseth Owens, of Perkiomen Valley High School in Pennsylvania, apologized as part of an apology written on Twitter.
@CameronNewton @barstoolsports @ open time @espn pic.twitter.com/eBTg1tnnzI
– jseth owens (@ jsethowens_5) February 22, 2021
Earlier Sunday, Newton had shared an extensive video of the exchange on Instagram, with an accompanying message explaining why he was looking to talk to the player’s father.
“People often forget about athletes who are often seen on TV (loved by most, hated by some), we are real parents, real friends, real siblings, real children, real human beings. That said, when I watch in tournaments across the country, with my star team, I have given my time, my energy and my experience to these kids who come into our program for over 11 years and that’s not what people he wants to hear or even want to see.
“People want to see me arguing with another young person and see me‘ get into my feelings. ’But the truth is, this affects children’s lives in a positive way. Don’t be fooled, allow children to perform. their “exit” through their footballing talent to get them to the next level and, in most cases, off the hood. “
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender Leonard Fournette, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron and Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons go being one of the NFL players who tweeted in support of Newton.
Some children of this generation do not appreciate the fact that professional players take the time to go out to show love and have the nerves to act like this … https://t.co/BO2x40H9EA
– Darius Slay (@ bigplay24slay) February 21, 2021
Any young athlete who is watching this video, other than this child, should not miss the opportunity to learn something from someone who has been their highest level in this sport … STAY HUMBLE https://t.co / BCmGPK8w1W
– 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) February 21, 2021
the lil boy was talking CRAZY … he should have been kicked out of camp … https://t.co/IXYC1a8itg
– cameron jordan (@ camjordan94) February 21, 2021
don’t trigger social media for kids to say whatever they want without any respect … hehehe he put on a camera shirt 😂 that “i’m rich” having ppl in his 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 a league MVP that you have a 1% chance of making. Smh.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN AN EVENT .. to support everyone …? 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, plans to become an unrestricted free agent. He said in the “I’m an Athlete” podcast that will be released Monday that he has no plans to retire.
“Damn no! I can’t go out like that,” he said in reference to a 2020 ups and downs season in which the Patriots were 7-9. “I listen to this whole talk. My pride won’t let me do it. There are no 32 guys better than me.”