CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton will no longer be representing Oikos Greek Yogurt in their marketing and advertising. Oikos posted a short statement to Twitter Thursday that said, “We’re disheartened by Cam Newton’s behavior, which we perceive as sexist. We shared our concerns with Cam & will no longer work with him.”
This follows the controversial comment Cam Newton made at a Panthers news conference late Wednesday afternoon when Panthers beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue, asked Newton about receiver Devin Funchess’s willingness to embrace the physicality of his routes, Cam smiled and responded, “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes.” The clip immediately went viral becoming a talking point on every major sports network and website.
Dannon, the makers of Oikos Greek Yogurt also issued a statement Thursday, “We are shocked and disheartened at the behavior and comments of Cam Newton towards Jourdan Rodrigue, which we perceive as sexist and disparaging to all women. It is entirely inconsistent with our commitment to fostering equality and inclusion in every workplace. It’s simply not ok to belittle anyone based on gender. We have shared our concerns with Cam and will no longer work with him.” -Michael Neuwirth, senior director of external communications for Dannon.
Contradicting the Dannon/Oikos statement, Cam Newton’s marketing agent, Carlos Fleming, has been quoted saying, “Dannon has not terminated the agreement, nor do they have grounds to. [Dannon] is still using Cam Newton in advertising.”
Under Armour, Gatorade and Beats by Dre also have deals with Cam Newton.
Newton has yet to comment on the situation.
