Sorry Jeff Garcia, Cam Newton can dress however he wants

Patriots QB Cam Newton’s attire has nothing to do with his performance.

Earlier in the week, former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia went on a rant about Cam Newton’s clothes. His argument was that if Newton isn’t playing at an elite level, he doesn’t get to dress how he wants. He has to wear a bland outfit in defeat, and only gets to be himself as a winner.

Why does Jeff Garcia feel this way? Apparently Newton dresses the way he does for attention.

Is there really nothing better to talk about in sports media?

Beyond it being patently ridiculous that Jeff Garcia’s biggest takeaway from Newton’s game and press conference is that his outfit didn’t meet his output, this is a completely out-of-place comment. It’s filled with anger at something Garcia can’t seem to understand — Cam is just dressing in a way that fits his personality and makes him feel comfortable.

Attacking Newton’s wardrobe is a veiled attack at his professionalism. When Garcia say Newton’s outfits draw too much attention, he’s saying that Newton should dress in a way that Garcia feels is standard. And nobody lives like that.

Garcia had no basis for his comments, and was appropriately criticized for them. As for Newton, he responded as graciously as anyone could have.

Here’s the thing, for whatever criticism you may have of Newton this season, his professionalism has never been in question. He’s a hard-working player who has been praised for his efforts and leadership. Never once has he been criticized during his NFL career for any off-the-field issues.

And his outfits aren’t even traditionally-maligned ones. They’re still suits. Newton just happens to wear colorful three-piece suits and ostentatious hats. He’s never shown up to a press conference or a game looking like a slob … that’s kind of Bill Belichick’s MO.

Newton has been a consummate professional in New England, so Garcia’s comments shouldn’t hold any weight in the discussion about his quarterbacking abilities and/or work ethic. This is another mindless “hot take” because there apparently wasn’t enough to talk about on Monday morning.

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