In professional sports, itβs often said that the best ability is availability. And in the case of Cam Newton, heβs learned that despite his contributions on the field, the New England Patriots considered him (thatβs past tense) a liability.
Much has been said about the NFLβs new protocols regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, but Newtonβs reluctance to get vaccinated put himβand the Patriotsβin a precarious situation. As we previously reported at The Root, the three-time Pro Bowler recently missed an important stretch of training camp due to a βmisunderstandingβ about testing requirements:
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Heβs also putting the Patriots at significant risk, as the NFL has informed teams that should unvaccinated players trigger COVID-19 outbreaks among their teammates and team personnel, the team is subject to the forfeiture of games. There are also reports that Camβs refusal to get vaccinated has triggered a βlevel of frustration internallyβ within the team, and as its supposed leader, this ainβt a good look.
Additionally, considering his job was already up for grabs with rookie quarterback Mac Jones coming on strong, coupled with the fact that he previously missed time last season after contracting COVID-19, the Patriots apparently decided that Cam was too much of a liability to keep on the roster.
Sooooo theyβve cut him, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.
When youβre one of the best players in your sport, like Lamar Jackson, teams are far more willing to accommodate your reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to your impact on the field. But when youβre a fringe starter like Newton, who struggled to execute the Patriotsβ offense last season, extending grace isnβt exactly in the plans. Especially when you play for Bill Belichick, whoβs notorious for ridding himself of premium talent if it doesnβt fit within New Englandβs plans moving forward.
On Instagram, Newton addressed his surprise release in stride.
βI really appreciate all the love and support during this time,β he wrote in his signature hieroglyphics. βBut I must say...please donβt feel sorry for me!! Iβm good.β
So whatβs next for the 32-year-old former MVP? Word on the street is that the Cowboys are doing their βdue diligenceβ after his release from the Patriots, but Twitter has its own thoughts on his next destination:
Aside from the Texans, who may or may not rid themselves of their embattled quarterback, Deshaun Watsonβwhoβs in the midst of an ugly sexual assault investigationβWashington, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore are among other teams in play for Camβs services. But while we wait to find out where heβll will land, Twitter is torn between getting its jokes off at the former franchise quarterbackβs expense and offering words of encouragement.
At this stage of his career, Cam might not be the player he used to be, but heβs still a dynamic player who can provide value at the quarterback position.
βCam did his best job for us and competed extremely hard,β his former Patriots teammate, running back James White, said. βHeβs a good football player. I hope he gets another opportunity to land on his feet.β
To that end, the Auburn product now has to decide if heβs ready to accept his fate as a backup quarterback moving forward, or enjoy the rest of this season from home like the rest of us.
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