OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks on against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game on November 27, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Cam Newton isn't buying Richard Sherman's assertion that karma is the reason for the Carolina Panthers' poor season. The reigning NFL MVP defended his decision to take away a "12" flag from a Seattle Seahawks fan after last season's home playoff win, scoffing at Sherman's notion that disrespecting the flag has come back to haunt him.
"Where was the flag at? Was it at our house?" Newton asked after practice Thursday, via ESPN.
Sherman was asked Wednesday if Newton's actions, crumpling the flag and throwing it to the ground, went too far after the Panthers' 31-24 win in January.
"Yeah, he probably did,'' Sherman said. "I guess karma gets you. It doesn't look like you're going to be in the playoffs this year."
Newton dismissed that theory Thursday.
"It's irrelevant what he says right now," Newton said. "I have a lot of respect for Richard. I don't think that has nothing to do with karma that another opposing team's flag was in my stadium."
The two Pro Bowl players will face off Sunday night, when the 4-7 Panthers take on 7-3-1 Seahawks in Seattle.
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