FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts – A high school soccer player who was seen on video talking about the trash Cam Newton has apologized to the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player after the exchange between them went viral.
A shortened portion of the video, in which Newton was repeatedly taunted as an upcoming free agent who was “ about to become poor, ” sparked passionate reactions from Newton’s NFL colleagues. It took place during a 7-on-7 soccer tournament, with Newton coaching his old team through his charity.
The player, Jseth Owens of Perkiomen Valley High School in Pennsylvania, asked for forgiveness as part of a written apology on Twitter.
@RTLnews @SeanHealthy @overtime @espn pic.twitter.com/eBTg1tnnzI
– jseth owens (@ jsethowens_5) February 22, 2021
Earlier Sunday, Newton had shared an extensive video of the exchange on Instagram, with an accompanying message explaining why he wanted to talk to the player’s father.
“People often forget as athletes who are often seen on TV – loved by most, hated by some – that we are real dads, real friends, real brothers, real sons, real people. That said, when I go to tournaments through all over the country with my all-star team, I have given my time, my energy and my expertise to these kids who have been coming into our program for over 11 years and that’s not what people want to hear or even see.
‘People want to see me argue with another young man and see me’ get into my feelings. ‘ But the truth is this, I influence children’s lives in a positive way. Make no mistake about it, I allow kids to realize their ‘out’ by using their football talents to take them to the next level and out of the world in most cases. hood. “
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron and Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons were among NFL players to tweet their support of Newton.
Some kids of this generation don’t appreciate professional players taking the time to come to a show and they have the nerve to behave like that. Https://t.co/BO2x40H9EA
– Darius Slay (@ bigplay24slay) February 21, 2021
Any young athlete watching this video please don’t be this guy, don’t miss your chance to learn something from someone who has been at the highest level in this sport … STAY HUMBLE https://t.co/ BCmGPK8w1W
– 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) February 21, 2021
little boy spoke CRAZY … definitely should have been thrown out of the camp … https://t.co/IXYC1a8itg
– Cameron Jordan (@ camjordan94) February 21, 2021
he is not triggered on social media to make kids say anything with no respect .. lol boy wore a cam shirt 😂 that “i am rich” with ppl about their feelings 😂 #MVPCam (Cam has always been one of my favorites) ✊🏾 https://t.co/Sf4FJpkj3q
– Eric Ebron (@ Ebron85) February 21, 2021
He tried to be funny in front of his friends instead of asking a big like Cam how to overcome adversity and become an MVP of a league you have 1% chance of. Smh.
AT AN EVENT HE DON’T HAVE TO BE … to support you … https://t.co/RNcBEyyccz
– Justin Simmons (@ jsimms1119) February 21, 2021
Newton, who spent the 2020 season with the New England Patriots after nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. He said on the “I Am Athlete” podcast released Monday that he has no plans to retire.
“Hell no! I can’t go out like this,” he said in reference to an up-and-down 2020 season where the Patriots were 7-9. ‘I hear all that talk. My pride won’t allow me to. There aren’t 32 men better than me. ‘