Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton held his usual press conference on Wednesday, and it had the usual focus -- the last game and the next opponent.
But the former Auburn star came out of it being scorned on social media because of a remark he made in answer to a question asked by Jourdan Rodrigue, the Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer.
Rodrigue, who is a woman, asked Newton about the improved play of Carolina wide receiver Devin Funchess this season after he caught two touchdown passes on Sunday in the Panthers' 33-30 victory over the New England Patriots. In the question, Rodrigue said Funchess "seemed to really embrace the physicality of his routes and getting those extra yards."
Newton started smiling during the question, then said: "It's funny to hear a female talking about routes," with emphasis on the word "routes."
The question and Newton's answer weren't as grin-inducing as he apparently thought, given the reaction that followed on Twitter, including a tweet from Rodrigue.
In reply to a questioner on Twitter, Rodrigue said she talked to Newton about the incident after the press conference.
Newton did go on to give a more legitimate response to the question: "But Fun is coming along. This is a big game for him, him being from Detroit. I know he wants this win extremely bad. Just to see his growth over the years. Completely different player - not just on the field. I told him and (wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin) today: Those guys' preparation has been different this year. Credit the coaching for it, and just moving forward we're going to expect those same things."
The Panthers visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @AMarkG1.