Any time a sports media commentator disagrees with Cam Newton, they better be ready for the issue to become about more than just one take. This time, Newton’s persistent criticism of Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts is leading him to call out his rivals in the space for being too cozy with players like Hurts.
During a segment on Get Up recently, ESPN star Ryan Clark weighed in on the “disrespect” he believes Hurts still gets despite his accolades. Clark named Newton specifically, then made his case for Hurts. Before dismounting his take, Clark got a jab in on Newton’s infamous play in Super Bowl L in which he appeared to avoid diving into the scrum for a loose fumble.
Newton responded on Wednesday in his podcast, 4th and 1, imploring Clark (and Dan Orlovsky) to make rational arguments rather than engaging in personal disagreements when it comes to sports.
“The point that Cam is trying to make here, ladies and gentlemen, is let’s make people debate about sports again,” Newton said. “Because there’s too many homeboys in the industry. There’s too many people, the insiders, that are moved by relationships and moved by, ‘Ah man, I can’t talk bad about this person or I can’t critique his game, because I know that coach or I know this particular person.’ Well, you’re not talking about the person. You’re not even talking about your guys’ relationship. You’re more or less talking about their performance. And that’s what I will talk about.”
Newton proceeded to read off Clark’s career accolades, which include an All-SEC 2nd-team appearance in college and one Pro Bowl, but pale in comparison to Newton’s Heisman, NCAA title, and NFL MVP. In a humorous aside, Newton chose not to discuss Orlovsky’s playing days.
“People keep attacking Cam the person or why he didn’t jump on the fumble or why he didn’t do this or comparing and contrasting,” Newton added. “So when I compare and contrast you guys’ statistics … as we keep going and keep unlocking and keep poking the bear and y’all want to play this game, I can play this game, too.”
From Newton’s perspective, being low on Hurts primarily comes down to his production. Newton believes that, in a modern NFL where there is a deep pool of elite quarterbacks, Hurts’ limited throwing production and smaller role in the offense relative to other greats aren’t enough to vault him into the top echelon of the league.
“I really fool with Jalen Hurts the individual. He’s a stand-up guy,” Newton explained. “But when it comes to making this point of discussion about top-10 quarterbacks, unfortunately throwing for only 2,900 yards are not elite numbers.”
This is just the latest conflict between Newton and Clark in particular. Just last week, they butted heads over their analysis of Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. In that case, Newton once again defended his ability to provide analysis without it turning personal.
Newton hopes that when others disagree with him, they can not only remain analytical toward the athletes they discuss but also toward one another.
“Talk about the point. Don’t talk about the pointer,” Newton said. “That’s all it really comes down to.”
Newton and Clark are a fascinating duo, duking it out over this fine line between personal and analytical. Both were high-level NFL players (despite Newton’s jabs at Clark) who now host long-form interview podcasts in which they delve deep into life, love, and gossip.
That inevitably bleeds into their commentary on bigger platforms (Newton was a weekly panelist on First Take last year). Newton may be the one pointing the finger about personal barbs now, but he often dips into that well when it suits his arguments, too.
Speaking of Newton’s weekly First Take role last football season, Clark was one of the debaters opposite him on Fridays. If they line up once again on the show’s schedule, the increasing friction between them will be something to watch on ESPN throughout the fall.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is a Media Commentary staff writer at Awful Announcing. He has also covered basketball and sports business at Front Office Sports, SB Nation, Uproxx and more.