Cam Newton Speaks

Cam Newton finally gave an explanation as to why he did not dive for that fumble in the fourth quarter with his team only down by six points with a little over four minutes to go in the Super Bowl. He said his "leg was contorted in such a way" but he never really finished that thought. The replay only shows his leg being contorted when he was headed the opposite way of the fumble.

Newton always gave the reasoning of when a quarterback throws an interception but that is a completely different scenario. When a quarterback throws an interception, defensive lineman see that as an opportunity to legally "block" the quarterback and that usually means laying a cheap shot on the quarterback and drilling him through the ground. The only time Newton made an effort to get the football was when it deflected back by him and he really only gave a half ass effort then.

Just like the Seattle Seahawks and their fans have had to relive the New England Patriots interception at the goal line from last season, Carolina Panthers fans will be reliving this fumble and non-recovery for quite a while. Cam Newton did not see the fumble as a pivotal play in the game. Newton also penned an open letter to Panthers fans promising to continue to "win his way." I wonder if that way is over the top showboating when he wins, taking his football and going home when he loses, and making excuses when the situation demands it.

Kobe Bryant's Farewell Tour

Kobe Bryant's farewell tour around the NBA is starting to wind down and I will be one of the few people on the planet that believes the end cannot get here fast enough. Kobe Bryant came into the NBA out of high school in Philadelphia and was drafted in the first round, 13th overall, by the Charlotte Hornets. He refused to play for the Hornets and demanded to be traded to one of three NBA teams. A trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was worked out and a star was born. There is no denying Kobe's talent and his place in NBA history.

When he announced that this would be his final NBA season an amazing transformation occurred. Bryant suddenly has the congeniality of a game show host, granting interviews and clowning around in front of the cameras. His last appearance in Charlotte really caught my attention. These were the same fans he refused to play in front of to start his career but the same fans that he did not want to miss seeing him play his last time in Charlotte. In a tribute fitting for his final season, Michael Jordan recorded a message that was played for Kobe. Kobe went out and shot 5 for 20 from the field, including 3 for 12 from the three-point line.

The Los Angeles Lakers have sacrificed this season in order for Kobe Bryant to say his good bye's and to receive all of the accolades. He has played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and that is a rarity these days in any sport. The Lakers are not a good team this season and Bryant is shooting a career low .355% from the field. He has already played more games this season that he has in the previous two seasons combined. When he scored 38 points the other night that was the lead story on the majority of the sports highlights shows. I will be glad when the spotlight fades.