Panthers' Newton slammed over sexist remark

New York: Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton faced mounting criticism on Wednesday after making a sexist comment to a female reporter during a press conference. Newton landed in hot water after remarking that it was “funny to hear a female” ask a question about route running.The Panthers star smirked after Jourdan Rodrigue, a reporter for the Charlotte Observer, asked about receiver Devin Funchess’s ability to run physically demanding routes. “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes like — it’s funny,” the 28-year-old Newton said before discussing Funchess’s development with the team.Rodrigue however criticized Newton’s reply in several posts on social media. “I don’t think it’s ‘funny’ to be a female and talk about routes. I think it’s my job,” Rodrigue wrote on Twitter.Rodrigue also revealed that she spoke with Newton in private after the press conference and was unhappy with his response. “I spoke with him after and it was worse,” she wrote. “I chose not to share, because I have an actual job to do today and one he will not keep me from.”The Panthers promptly issued a statement clarifying Newton’s remarks. “I have spoken with Jourdan and Cam and I know they had a conversation where he expressed regret for using those words,” a spokesman said. “We strive as a department to make the environment for media comfortable for everyone covering the team.”Newton’s comments were skewered by other female journalists on Twitter. USA Today’s award-winning sports columnist Christine Brennan, the first president of the Association for Women in Sports Media, remarked: “This was commonplace in the 1980s, unfortunately. To hear it now, from a young man, is reprehensible.”Luck back in practice after surgeryIndianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was back on the practice field with teammates for the first time since undergoing right shoulder surgery in January. Luck’s return date is still uncertain, but he was seen throwing passes in front of the media for the first time since Week 17 of last season.The 28-year-old Luck, who already has been ruled out for Sunday’s home game against the San Francisco 49ers, acknowledged he is not fully back. Luck offered no specifics on when he would play in a game this season but said he is “surrounded by really good people” and “very encouraged” with his progress.Patriots’ Gronkowski suffers thigh injuryNew England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed as questionable to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a thigh injury. Gronkowski was limited in Wednesday’s practice after being a full participant in each of the previous two days for New England (2-2).The 28-year-old leads the Patriots in receiving yards (318) to go along with his 20 catches and two touchdowns in four games.Gronkowski played in all 70 of the team’s offensive snaps in a 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He did not mention an injury when meeting with reporters on Tuesday.