Move over Chris “Mad Dog” Russo - there’s a new First Take host who’s barking up a storm on live television .
On Friday, Cam Newton - who made his ESPN debut last week - sent Stephen A. Smith , Bart Scott, and Shae Cornette into a fit of laughter after doing his best imitation of a dog. While discussing the Cowboys’ struggles on offense, the former NFL quarterback stressed the need for Dallas to acquire more star players.
Once Cornette finished her thought, Newton promptly interjected with several loud barks, seemingly taking the rest of the panel completely off guard. “That's what we need in Dallas. Some dawgs! I only see one of them," he added.
Smith couldn’t help but poke fun at the bizarre moment, chiming in: “Sounded like Martin Lawrence.” But Newton seemingly wasn’t a fan of the comparison, fervently shaking his head no before barking several more times and adding: “We need some dogs on the offensive side of the ball.”
Newton then turned his attention to ex-Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, who publicly bashed Dallas’ wide receivers - including CeeDee Lamb - following the team’s 47-9 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions . “I don't know what Troy Aikman is talking about,” he said.
“I cannot confirm nor deny what he's speaking is factual. What I will tell you is this: Can somebody else take over a game other than CeeDee Lamb on the Dallas Cowboys offense?
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“When I look at the Dallas Cowboys the only person that threatens me if I'm scheming them up is CeeDee,” he continued. “That's not an effective offense right there.
“So I'm looking at a situation where the Detroit Lions came, saw and conquered and bullied and thumped and wet-willied and wedgied and did all the things that they needed to do. Antagonized. All of the above. Option E. Huh! Ain't nobody mad?"
When asked who was to blame for the Cowboy’s offensive woes, Newton pointed a finger at the entire roster, stating: "Circle E. All the above."
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Taking to social media, fans implored Newton to never bark again on-air. “Ok, the barking is too far. I get it's a sports debate/entertainment show, but this show has really become a clown show,” one X user wrote, with another adding: “Cam Newton barking on TV is very disturbing.”
If nothing else, Newton has more than delivered on the promise he made after signing with ESPN earlier this month. In an official statement announcing his signing, he said: "I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
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