Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers’ remarkable season came to an end last night. The 2015 NFL MVP made his frustration known in his post-game press conference, walking out after giving short, blunt answers to reporters. Once again Newton’s class and professionalism has been brought into question, but one former NFL player took to Twitter to broadcast his own hypocrisy.
Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski posted his tweet shortly after Newton’s press conference. Nevermind his use of the racially charged ‘boy’ at the end of the tweet, Romanowski was known more for his lack of professionalism throughout his career than for his play. During the 1997 season, Romanowski was fined $20,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on then Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins which resulted in Collins suffering a broken jaw. Later that season, Romanowski spat in the face of San Francisco wide receiver J.J. Stokes. Romanowski’s outbursts weren’t just limited to opponents, in 2003 he broke the eye socket of his Oakland Raiders teammate Marcus Williams. The injury ended Williams’ career and Romanowski was ordered to pay Williams $340,000.
screenshot of original, now deleted, tweet from Romanowski
Follow up tweet:
I apologize for that remark ‘boy’. It was not intentional or even trying to disrespect others. Peace everyone.
— Bill Romanowski (@billromanowski) February 8, 2016
