The Panthers are trying to hang onto a 14-6 lead over the Raiders, and they’re lucky they still have their quarterback on the field.
Cam Newton was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, after popping up from a play and bumping into referee Jerome Boger. By rule, he should have been ejected on the spot.
He’ll certainly be fined, after what’s been a chippy day all around between the Panthers and Raiders.
Earlier in the game, Newton wasn’t penalized when he kicked at Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly after a sack. Bumping a ref will bring that one into sharper focus, and takes something off what had been a sharp run of play for Newton.