The more the Carolina Panthers win, the more Cam Newton and company smile. The more they smile, the more some get upset.
The latest example isn't about dabbing or dancing. Instead, it's an impromptu photo shoot late in Sunday's win over the Falcons. That it occurred during a game has rubbed some the wrong way, from an Atlanta talk show host to a national NFL reporter.
When Panthers' coach Ron Rivera was asked on Monday if he's OK with that type of celebration during a game, it appeared like he may not have even known it happened.
"I can't see everything that happens on the sidelines, and as long as our guys aren't doing anything malicious, or hurting anybody, I'm not going to worry about those things," he said. "If it is and it's something I need to address, then I'll address it."
This isn't the first time the Panthers have held a photo opp late in a blowout. They did the same in Week 11 while wrapping up a win over Washington. But each week, more eyeballs are on Carolina, which can, of course, bring increased criticism.
There's a chance Rivera may ask his players to wait until the final whistle before openly celebrating, but it's more likely he'll just let his guys be who they've been.
“One thing I did tell these guys is to keep their personality," Rivera said. "That's important because that's what makes you who you are as football players and people.
"If we're disappointing some people then I apologize for that, but this is who we are, and this is how we're going to do our thing."
I’m not gonna complain man. Had I known taking pictures on the sideline is all it takes to be 13-0 man, we would have been called the Selfie Bay Buccaneers. I mean, I would have had a photographer rather than a weight coach, I would have bought all these guys Niko’s or Nikons, or whatever those cameras are called. Go Pros would replace the gatorade on my sidelines man. I tell ya what, these guys are playing there butts off and and having fun. Only thing that would make this team better man, is if they use the spider y banana.
Quality novelty account right here.
“Oh, I offended you? How does it feel to be so weak that mere images hurt you?”