CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 9 (UPI) — Rituals are important to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
In the Panthers’ 37-29 win over Green Bay Sunday, Packers linebacker Julius Peppers tried to get in Newton’s head.
After Newton scored on a one-yard run, Peppers grabbed the football from his grasp and threw it toward the sideline.
Newton typically runs to the stands and hands the ball to a child after scoring touchdowns. But even with Peppers’ gesture, Newton still managed to retrieve the ball and hand it to a little boy.
“I didn’t do it on purpose,” Peppers told reporters after the game, according to ESPN.
After the game, Newton said he “can’t speak” for Peppers.
Newton completed 15-of-30 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Newton also ran nine times for 57 yards and a touchdown in the victory.
The 26-year-old Newton is having a career year for the 8-0 Panthers. This season, Newton has completed 132-of-246 passes for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Newton has rushed 73 times for 343 touchdowns and five scores this season.
Peppers also caught cameras for a sideline altercation with teammate Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
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