Report: Cam Newton benched for violating team dress code

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was benched for the team’s first drive of the game due to “disciplinary reasons.”

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was benched for the team’s first drive of Sunday night’s game against the Seahawks, due to what the team’s radio broadcast called “disciplinary reasons.”

Ashley Stroehlein of WBTV later added more color, reporting that Newton violated the team’s dress code by not wearing a tie.

Newton did not start the game, instead standing on the sidelines as Derek Anderson began the team’s first drive. Anderson threw an interception on the first play of the game that turned into a Seahawks field goal, and Newton came in to replace him on the following drive.

Newton, the reigning MVP, has posted career-lows in passer rating and completion percentage through 10 games, throwing for 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Carolina entered Sunday at 4–7, last in the NFC South.