ESPN Anchor Says NFL Tight End Travis Kelce Wasn’t Criticized for Touchdown Dance Because He’s ’Not Black’

SportsCenter anchor Robert Flores ignited controversy on Monday after he questioned why Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was vilified for dancing in an opponent's endzone, but other players are not.

Talking over highlights from last Sunday's Bills-Chiefs game, which showed Chiefs tight-end Travis Kelce dancing in the endzone following a touchdown reception, Flores pondered aloud why there have been no letters to the editor ripping Kelce's dance.

"I'm wondering why there's no letters to the editor or why First Take's not doing 'Should Travis Kelce be dancing in the end zone?'" Flores questioned, referencing a scathing letter published by the Charlotte Observer following the Panther's week 10 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

That letter's author questioned Newton's status as a role model because of a fourth quarter endzone celebration. The author also labeled the dance as "arrogant" and "in your face taunting."

"Are you sure they didn't?" fellow anchor Jay Crawford asked Flores in response.

"They didn't," Flores shot back. "I wonder why they're not doing that? Oh, because he's not black. That's probably what it is."

Some on twitter were quick to react to Flores' comments, but Flores was also quick to shoot back:

Others applauded Flores:

Despite his critics, Newton continues to dance and celebrate each touchdown. He even gives each Panthers touchdown ball to a young Panthers fan sitting near the endzones.

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