Panthers’ Newton won’t speak to media
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton declined to speak to reporters for the second consecutive day Thursday.
Carolina spokesman Steven Drummond said the 2015 MVP gave no explanation as to why he wouldn’t participate in his weekly news conference ahead of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Drummond was seen speaking to Newton at his locker for several minutes during the team’s open lockerroom session.
NFL players are subject to fines for not talking to the media.
Newton’s decision comes two weeks after he apologized for comments he said were “extremely degrading and disrespectful to women.” Jourdan Rodrigue, the reporter from the Charlotte Observer at whom Newton’s sexist comments were directed, returned to work this week after taking time off.
When reporters entered the Panthers’ locker room Thursday, Newton had the volume so high on a sound system playing music that it made it difficult for other players to be interviewed. He turned off the music after about 15 minutes.
When asked about Newton’s decision to not speak to reporters on Thursday, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said, “I thought he had a press conference today, but apparently not.”
Meanwhile, the Panthers could be without two key players when they visit Chicago. Three-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly missed his third straight day of practice with a concussion, and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin missed a second consecutive day of practice with inflammation in his left knee. Fournette expects to play: Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette says his ankle feels good, and he “most definitely” will be healthy enough to play Sunday at Indianapolis.
Fournette missed a second consecutive practice Thursday because of his sprained right ankle. The rookie expects to do “cutting and stuff ” Friday before head coach Doug Marrone decides his status against the Colts.
Fournette ranks second in the NFL with 596 yards. He also has seven touchdowns, which is tied for the league lead. He has 397 yards and three scores on the ground the past three weeks. Powell practices: Jets running back Bilal Powell is expected to play at Miami on Sunday after practicing fully for the first time since straining a calf muscle nearly two weeks ago.
Powell is the Jets’ leading rusher with 240 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 13 catches for 72 yards out of the backfield.
Bridgewater eyes return: Teddy Bridgewater says he believes he’ll play for the Vikings this season after returning to practice for the first time in almost 14 months.
Bridgewater spoke to reporters for the first time since the beginning of training camp. He was cleared to rejoin the team Wednesday on the field where he dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments in a noncontact drill less than two weeks before the 2016 season began.
The 24-year-old quarterback said his knee was feeling fine the day after his first practice, though he wasn’t taking any hits. Bridgewater will be brought along slowly, realizing the return to the field this week was only one of many steps toward playing in a game again.