SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 4, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Image: Getty)
Cam Newton and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin got into what seemed like a heated verbal match before Thursday’s preseason game, but now Benjamin is claiming he wasn’t even paying attention to the Carolina Panthers quarterback.
The Panthers traded Benjamin — who joined Carolina as a first-round draft pick out of Florida State in 2014 — to the Bills midway through the 2017 season. The 27-year-old receiver reportedly told The Athletic last week that he wished the Panthers hadn’t drafted him and that he might have enjoyed greater success as a player had he been paired with a more prolific quarterback.
SLIDESHOW: 30 Best Sports Instagrams!
On Thursday, before Carolina’s 28-23 victory at Buffalo, Newton confronted Benjamin about his remarks, although the wideout seemed to have no desire to speak to the veteran QB. Benjamin eventually walked away from Newton.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Here is the footage of Newton trying to get Benjamin’s attention. The Charlotte Observer’s Jeff Siner shared the video:
“I wasn’t even trying to listen,” Benjamin told reporters after the preseason matchup, per Panthers.com.
“Moving on from it. Just moving on from it,” the wideout added about his being traded to the Bills.
30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW
On Thursday, Benjamin logged four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown that put Buffalo up 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.
Benjamin appears to have a good point about Newton: the Panthers QB isn’t exactly one of the most accurate passers in the NFL. However, Benjamin had a great rookie season with Carolina: he recorded 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns.
The receiver struggled more with Buffalo last year, nevertheless: he had just 16 catches and one touchdown in six games. However, if Benjamin keeps playing like he did on Thursday, his 2018 season should be a very successful one.
It also seems slightly hypocritical of Newton to call out Benjamin for his comments when the Panthers QB himself drew backlash last year for giving a sexist answer to a female reporter’s question.
On March 5, 2007, Metta Sandiford-Artest, who's formerly known as Ron Artest, was arrested on…
On February 17, 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Moscow because Russian customs…
In November 2005, NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin was cited for possession of drug…
The third overall pick in the draft has had an eventful year off the field.…
The Indianapolis Colts are reaching deep into NFL history in a bid to salvage their…
On May 3, 2008, former NFL running back Cedric Benson was arrested and charged with…