Cam Newton gets apology from Scott Zolak over rap music comments

Cam Newton has never been a stranger to the headlines throughout his career, and this offseason has been no different. Last week, the New England signal caller became the brunt of some old-school hate from a former Patriots’ quarterback.

Scott Zolak, the New England quarterback from 1992-1998, believes the rap music played at Patriots practice is distracting Newton as he vies for the starting gig against rookie Mac Jones.

After a firestorm erupted by nearly anyone associated with sports media, Zolak issued a breakdown and apology, according to NESN.

I was trying to evaluate Cam through the process of his first couple throws, and I blamed music for being a distraction in his preparation in between a couple throws that he had. And I reference the genre of rap that was being played. That’s something I know that’s drawn attention to for being racially insensitive. I’m sorry for that comment. I didn’t need to make that comment. I should not even ever bring any sort of music into play, because I have no clue what’s going on in a player’s head. It’s been a rough last couple days here, and I wanted to do this on air. It’… I’m passionate about this team, the position. Playing the position, that’s basically the only position I watch, really, in practice.

Zolak’s apology to Cam Newton on NESN

Zolak also took the extra step to talk to Newton himself, and clear the air.

“I did this morning. Yeah,” Zolak said. “And that’s one thing. I wanted to talk to him before I talked about this, to let him know. I got a chance to talk to him, and Cam’s nothing but class. Great guy. He handled it perfect. I mean, that’s between me and him. So that’s where I stand by it.”

Newton never addressed Zolak’s comments publicly.

Zolak’s original jab at Cam Newton’s rap music

Ironically, this all started with most debates in New England nowadays. Will Newton start the Patriots season opener after Mac Jones continues to dominate?

“I’d turn off the rap music first of all because I think it’s distracting for Cam,” Zolak said on 98.5 “The Sports Hub” in Boston last week. “In-between every throw he’s dancing. He can’t help himself.”

The former NFL MVP has been known to be animated and dance around the field at practice and on the sidelines. Zolak compared Newton’s style to that of Mac Jones, the rookie quarterback out of Alabama.

“Like, [Jones is] here to work,” Zolak added. “And everything is attention to detail.”

Apparently, Jones is a fan of rap music himself. Last week, the former Auburn signal caller said he was surprised by Jones’ knowledge on the topic. 

“You catch him in the locker room every time quoting some Future, some [Da]Baby,” Newton said.

The quarterbacks have a great relationship, and Jones has said Newton has served a mentor for him since he was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.