Bill Romanowski apologizes for calling Cam Newton 'boy'
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — While many took to social media to blast Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton after Newton's short and agitated media conference following Super Bowl 50, former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski took it too far.
The word "boy" has negative racial connotations when used toward a black man. Romanowski, who is white, had a history of racially related controversy when he played. He spit in San Francisco 49ers receiver J.J. Stokes face in 1997. Stokes is black. That incident was a hot-button racial issue within the Broncos locker room. Romanowski said he did not spit on Stokes because he is black.
Sports Illustrated claimed in 2000 that Romanowski used racist remarks, including the n-word, something Romanowski emphatically denied.
And now this.
Romanowski tried to explain himself after the initial tweet about Newton, which was deleted.
Calm down everyone! I meant he needs to grow up!
— Bill Romanowski (@billromanowski) February 8, 2016
I apologize for that remark 'boy'. It was not intentional or even trying to disrespect others. Peace everyone.
— Bill Romanowski (@billromanowski) February 8, 2016
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab