Panthers dismiss criticism about their in-game picture.
CHARLOTTE: Ron Rivera, the coach of the Carolina Panthers, has this advice for his team: Never stop dancing, dabbing, or doing whatever that brings you joy.
Just make sure it doesn’t detract from the football focus.
The Panthers have received criticism for their celebrations during the whole season, and on Sunday, after quarterback Cam Newton, running back Jonathan Stewart, and fifteen other players took a picture on the sidelines during their 38-0 rout of the Atlanta Falcons, there was a fresh round of fury.
“No,” Rivera responded when asked whether it was something he cared about at his press conference on Monday from the Panthers’ facility. “I simply want to make sure that our people are concentrating on our task at hand. Not everything that happens on the sidelines is visible to me. I won’t bother about such things as long as our people aren’t injuring anyone or doing anything bad. I’ll take care of it if I feel compelled to.
“I did advise these people to maintain their individuality. Remain true to who you are. Stay loyal to who you are. And that’s significant as it shapes who they are as football players. I’m sorry if we’re disappointing anyone, but this is who we are and how we’re going to carry out our mission.
Following a 27-10 Panthers victory against the Tennessee Titans on November 15, a Tennessee lady complained in writing to The Charlotte Observer about the quarterback’s celebrations, including a dance known as the Dab. This letter quickly became national news and made Newton a household name.
Rivera brought to the fact that a number of Panthers players have been working additional hours on their days off to support his claim that the festivities aren’t worth his time.
Rivera remarked, “I think the guys are balancing (having fun and being focused) very well.” “What’s noteworthy about our Victory Monday today is the number of guys that came in by themselves.
“I really believe they get what it’s all about.”
On Monday, 28 Panthers players were there, according to Rivera’s count.
The Panthers’ on-field success is partially to blame for why they are suddenly the subject of attention. They are unbeaten at 13-0, have secured a playoff first-round bye, and may be about to embark on a historic run.
The players express their admiration for the response to the team’s festivities.
Newton said that an elderly Panthers fan was imitating his dab as he glanced up at the Jumbotron at Bank of America Stadium following Sunday’s game.
