By Brandon Simmons
In 2021, people are still blaming rap music for the ills of the worlds, including quarterback performance. According to TMZ, former New England Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak blames rap music for taking current Patriots QB Cam Newton off his game. Newton, who is in his 2nd year with the team, is currently involved in a QB competition with rookie quarterback Mac Jones, who the Patriots took in the first round in this year’s draft. Zolak was reportedly at the Patriots practice when he expressed to “The Sports Hub” a local Boston radio show on 98.5 FM, that Newton should turn down the tunes.
“I’d turn off the rap music first of all,” said Zolak. “Because I think it’s distracting for Cam here. Because in between every throw he’s dancing.” Zolak goes on to compare Newton to Jones, by saying the latter looked like he was ready to work. Still, he conceded to say that it was “Cam’s style.”
Zolak’s comments are going to be taken as outdated, and they absolutely should be. Rap music in practice would not be the reason that Newton is distracted; the 3 day absence due to an alleged COVID-19 protocol violation, would more likely be the case. It took him out of reps that were greatly needed. Rap is played at all the games, locker rooms, etc.; if anything, all the players would welcome it to get used to stadium noise. Cam’s dancing is nothing new either. He’s been celebrating after running for first downs his entire career, so no reason to stop now.
The other side to Zolak’s comments is, honestly, it could be some Patriots fans that are ready to move on from Newton. This fan base saw their greatest player walk away and win a Super Bowl with another team, only to receive a former MVP to have a down year in his career. Newton threw for 8 touchdowns, 10 picks and a 7-8 record as a starter. When you’re winning, you could moonwalk across a fan’s forehead for all they care; but when you’re losing, fans are ready to do the Hammer dance on your head. Despite the reputation of unorthodox personnel maneuvers that New England has garnered, drafting a QB in the first round, means you have plans for them to be more than a backup. The rap music that is blasted during practice has nothing to do with the music Newton will be facing if he doesn’t bounce back from last season’s production.