Social Media Recap: High School Student Apologizes To Cam Newton Following Viral "Trash Talk" Video

Over the weekend, a viral social media video featuring quarterback Cam Newton being taunted by a high school football player at a 7-on-7 tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC made its rounds on the internet.

The TikTok video shows high schooler Jseth Owens of Pennsylvania, mocking Newton’s soon-to-be free agency. Owens told Newton that he was “about to be poor” while also referring to him as “ass”.

In the hours that followed, Newton’s Patriots teammates and other NFL players came to his defense, voicing their displeasure with the disrespect Owens showed towards the former NFL MVP.

https://twitter.com/_Uche35/status/1363627004592082951?s=20

nuff said https://t.co/9W8marjgcX

— JB (@NVBentley33) February 21, 2021

Any young athlete watching this video please don’t be this kid, Don’t miss your chance to learn something from someone who has been their at the highest level in this sport…. STAY HUMBLE https://t.co/BCmGPK8w1W

— 7? Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) February 21, 2021

Man I wish I had NFL players at my 7 on 7. Let alone a player as elite as Cam Newton. Reality check, You got a guy who has reached every mile stone that we dreamed of as kids. You supposed to be picking his brain, being a sponge. Not a annoying fly that caused no damage to him https://t.co/b1gENqCCPr

— Marquez V-S (@MVS__11) February 21, 2021

On Monday, Newton responded to the video with additional footage not seen in the TikTok where he sought to speak with Owens’ father.

In a post to his Instagram, Newton shared the following message.

“People often forget as athletes that are often seen on TV — loved by most, hated by some — we are real dads, real friends, real brothers, real sons, real human beings. With that being said, when I attend tournaments all across the country with my all-star team, I have given my time, my energy and my expertise to these kids coming into our program for over 11 years and that is not what people want to hear or even want to see.

“People want to see me arguing with another young man and to see me ‘get in my feelings.’ But the truth is this, I impact kids’ lives in a positive way. Make no mistake about it, I allow kids to realize their ‘out’ by using their football talents to get them to the next level and in most cases out of the hood.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cam Newton (@cameron1newton)

Owen’s later issued an apology for his remarks on his Twitter account.

A high school football player has apologized to Cam Newton after an exchange between them went viral.

The player, Jseth Owens, asked for forgiveness as part of a written apology on Twitter: https://t.co/RucdmXEAEn

(via @jsethowens_5) pic.twitter.com/vtsUl4CuMv

— ESPN (@espn) February 22, 2021

According to the Washington Post, Newton’s C1N program is based out of his hometown of Atlanta and has previously featured Deshaun Watson, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup, New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Myers and Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields in 7-on-7 tournaments.