A segment on the Boston sports radio show "Felger and Mazz" about Cam Newton's celebrations drew criticism from some in the sports world on Wednesday.
Newton, who signed with the New England Patriots on Sunday, has a history of celebrating when he reaches the end zone.
The hosts, Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti, argued that Newton won't be allowed to celebrate under the notoriously strict head coach Bill Belichick.
"Even something as simple and seemingly innocuous as the dabbing, the Superman-ing, all the celebrating and the showboating on the field — they don't want you doing that here," Felger said. "Cam Newton has celebrated more than any player in the league, maybe, over the last decade ... you think he'll be able to take it?"
Massarotti said he thinks Belichick will give Newton a pass, arguing that quarterbacks get more leeway than players of other positions.
"I hope he doesn't. I like that about the Patriots," Felger said, adding "I like that they don't ride each other like ponies after touchdowns or whatever."
The hosts incorrectly said former tight end Rob Gronkowski was not allowed to celebrate. Gronkowski was renowned for celebrating touchdowns by spiking the ball into the ground and dancing. Former quarterback Tom Brady also frequently ran to the end zones and sidelines, throwing his fist and yelling, "Let's go!"
"This guy is who he is," Massarotti said of Newton, arguing that it would be Belichick's "fault" if Newton celebrated a play.
"No Superman," Felger said. "I don't wanna see Superman. Bill doesn't wanna see Superman. He doesn't want you taunting the opponent like that."
—Funhouse (@BackAftaThis) July 1, 2020
However, Belichick has previously said he likes to see players celebrate and show emotion. One Twitter user shared a clip of Belichick in the docuseries "A Football Life" admonishing his team for not playing with joy.
"You should be excited when you make a play," Belichick said in the series. "Hell, look at all the work you put into it, all the time that you've spent, the practice [that went] into it. And to go out there in a game, competitively, and execute it well and make a play, you should be excited about it. And your teammates should be excited too."
As clips of the Patriots offense and defense played, Belichick said players showing emotion and togetherness intimidated opponents.
—Matt McDonough (@McDTwin1) July 1, 2020
Some in the NFL world criticized the segment, suggesting it had racial undertones.
—Griffin Adams (@GriffDoug) July 1, 2020
—Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 1, 2020
—Rich Eisen (@richeisen) July 1, 2020
—ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 1, 2020
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio argued that Newton's celebrations will continue as usual, "And Belichick won't have an issue with any of it."
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