Atlanta, Georgia – Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton found himself at the center of controversy after being involved in a violent altercation at a 7-on-7 football tournament. Shannon Sharpe criticized the treatment of Newton, who was reportedly ambushed by a group of attackers during the event.
Newton, who last played for the Carolina Panthers in 2021, was seen on camera engaging in a physical altercation with several men. The incident occurred at a tournament where teams from Newton’s football program, C1N, were participating. C1N focuses on developing young athletes by enhancing their football skills and emphasizing character development.
Following the altercation, Sharpe condemned the disrespect shown towards Newton, highlighting the NFL veteran’s handling of the situation. In a statement, Sharpe expressed admiration for Newton’s composure, stating that he would not tolerate such disrespect from others.
The situation escalated further as video footage emerged of individuals associated with TopShelf Performance, a training facility in Atlanta, engaging in verbal confrontations with Newton. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a heated game between TopShelf and C1N teams, where tensions boiled over due to trash-talking between the two Under-18 teams.
Security personnel had to intervene to break up the altercation, leading to all parties involved, including Newton, being removed from the event. The incident has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and professionalism in athletics.
In response to the incident, Sharpe compared Newton’s handling of the situation to other NFL players like Peyton and Eli Manning, noting the lack of disrespect towards them during similar events. The altercation at the tournament has raised questions about proper conduct and conflict resolution in competitive sports environments.