Overview

• During a locker-room session before Carolina’s game against Dallas, David Newton joked about Xavier Legette’s father not being a Cowboys fan this week after Legette noted his dad once supported the team.
• The remark drew criticism because Legette’s mother died of cancer and his father died of a heart attack in 2019, losses that have been widely reported.
• Newton previously profiled Legette for ESPN in 2024 and referenced both parents’ deaths, a fact that fueled questions about his explanation that he forgot.
• Newton issued a public apology on X, saying he contacted the Panthers and Legette, calling it an innocent but hurtful mistake and asking for forgiveness.
• A Change.org petition seeking his removal has surpassed 1,200 signatures as the clip circulates widely on social media, and no public disciplinary action by ESPN has been reported.