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.
ESPN’s Robert Flores takes shot at First Take over Travis Kelce and Cam Newton https://t.co/nKo5LB6pyB— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter) 1448907433.0
"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:
@jasper6016 but I did say black— Robert Flores (@Robert Flores) 1448905905.0
Others applauded Flores:
@UnCouth_Truth some people are heated right now! Thank you btw— Robert Flores (@Robert Flores) 1448905847.0
Huge props to @RoFloESPN for telling it like it is on white-black NFL dancing— Jeff Pearlman (@Jeff Pearlman) 1448905165.0
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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