Newton ‘ disrespectful’ to female reporter: NFL

Cam Newton “expressed regret” for his response to a female reporter’s question at a news conference Wednesday, a team spokesman said.

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

After his comments, he proceeded to answer Rodrigue’s question.

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.”

Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said in a statement to the Associated Press that Newton spoke with Rodrigue after the news conference and expressed regret for his remarks.

Rodrigue released a statement through the Charlotte Observer via email saying that Newton did not apologize when they spoke after the news conference.

She said she “was dismayed by his response, which not only belittled me but countless other women before me and beside me who work in similar jobs.”

Cutler was right doing nothing

Dolphins coach Adam Gase defended quarterback Jay Cutler’s role in the wildcat formation.

Lined up outside as a receiver during the team’s 20- 0 loss to the Saints, Cutler was mocked heavily on social media for not moving on the play and keeping his hands on his hips. However, Gase said Cutler did the right thing, and he wasn’t concerned about the quarterback’s body language.

“Yes. As soon as he steps forward, they can knock the ... I won’t say it, but they can hit him,” Gase said. “If he steps back or doesn’t move, now you’re looking at different kinds of penalties.”

Cutler agreed with Gase that he was just carrying out his assignment. The quarterback even made light of the situation.

“That’s what they told me to do: Sit there, don’t get hit, don’t touch anybody, don’t move,” Cutler said. “I feel like I executed that one.”

Injury updates

Packers wide receiver Davante Adams returned to practice on a limited basis after absorbing a helmet- to- helmet hit from Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan that led to Adams being carted off the field on a stretcher. Adams is in the concussion protocol.

The Titans are hopeful quarterback Marcus Mariota will play Sunday against the Dolphins despite a strained hamstring, but his status is still unclear. Mariota was limited in practice.