Sports shorts Newton apologizes for comment to reporter

Cam Newton apologized in a Twitter video post Thursday night for sexist comments made to a female reporter.

“After careful thought, I understand that my word choice was extremely degrading and disrespectful to women,” the Carolina Panthers quarterback said at the start of the nearly two-minute video. “To be honest, that was not my intentions. And if you are a person who took offense to what I said, I sincerely apologize to you.”

On Wednesday when Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue asked Newton about wide receiver Devin Funchess’ route running Wednesday, Newton laughed and said, “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes. It’s funny.”

The NFL released a statement Wednesday saying that Newton’s response to the question was “just plain wrong and disrespectful to the exceptional female reporters and all journalists who cover our league.”

Dannon, the maker of Oikos yogurt, cut ties with spokesman Newton on Thursday. Company spokesperson Michael Neuwirth released a statement saying it was “shocked and disheartened” at the former league MVP’s behavior and comments.

College football SAN DIEGO STATE TO

SOCCER STADIUM » San Diego State has hired Populous to design a football stadium in Mission Valley that could also be used by a pro soccer team.

Athletic director J.D. Wicker said Thursday that SDSU wants a 35,000-seat stadium that could be expanded to 55,000 seats if the NFL ever returns. The Chargers left for Los Angeles earlier this year because it couldn’t get a new stadium.

A concept is due by the end of November.

Last week, a group of SDSU supporters launched a ballot initiative to buy 132 acres at the site of SDCCU Stadium, formerly known as Qualcomm Stadium. Wicker hopes a new stadium could be open by fall of 2021 or 2022. The school also wants to use part of the large stadium site to expand its campus.

Another group has proposed a 23,500-seat stadium for an expansion MLS team that could be enlarged by 10,000 seats if SDSU partners on that project.

“San Diego State has played in Mission Valley for 50 years and we plan on playing there another 50 years and having a good partner,” Wicker said.