Cam Newton Abruptly Leaves Press Conference After Question About Team Offense

After laughing at a female reporter and failing to attend a Q&A session this month, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on Wednesday abruptly walked out of a press conference after a reporter questioned him about the offensive team’s ability to gain yardage in "big chunks."

"You know, big plays, big chunk plays kind of get to that energy that I think that you're talking about," Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer asked. "Does this offense. Do you think you guys have the wherewithal to do that consistently week in and week out?"

Newton rolled his eyes before he replied, "next question." He then left the podium as another reporter began to ask a question.

Cam Newton walked out of his press conference after rolling his eyes at a reporter's question. pic.twitter.com/Ix3RKfxPXC

— ESPN (@espn) October 25, 2017

The Panthers issued a statement regarding their star player’s behavior.

"Cam didn't intend to be discourteous toward any specific media member," Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said. "In his mind, after answering questions for nine minutes he had fulfilled his obligations."

Newton, 28, has developed a strained relationship with the media. Just last week, he opted not to attend his weekly media obligations on Wednesday and Thursday. Two weeks ago, the star quarterback publicly apologized for a sexist remark following a football-related question from female reporter Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer.

This wasn’t the first time Newton ditched an interview. He abruptly left the podium during a press conference in 2016 after a 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos at Super Bowl 50.

The Panthers have dropped two straight losses during Week 6 and Week 7, while Newton’s performance has also dipped. In Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, Newton was 21 of 34 for 211 yards with two interceptions and zero touchdowns.

He is averaging 7.4 air yards per attempt this season, his lowest mark in his seven-year career, according to ESPN. Newton is averaging just 2.8 passing attempts per game of 20-plus yards.

The Panthers will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday.