Video of the Moment Ron Rivera Told Cam Newton He Violated Dress Code

TMZ obtained video of the exchange in which Panthers coach Ron Rivera told his quarterback Cam Newton that he violated the team dress code, and would be benched for the team’s first snap. Newton’s first reaction appeared to be dismay — but what would you expect him to look like when he was told perhaps his most conventional outfit, lack of tie notwithstanding, in a calendar year was the one that broke the code?

The video does not have sound, but it’s pretty easy to infer what is being communicated.

In all likelihood, this was a lifetime achievement award of sorts for Cam. There are presumably any number of minor team rules that the quarterback has violated, and now that the team has faltered and is essentially out of contention Rivera saw fit to put his foot down. In Rivera’s mind, this season might be unsalvageable but would it be surprising if he wanted to set a tone for the future?