"Disgusting," "Unacceptable": Calls mount from fans for ESPN to fire Panthers reporter over "insensitive" question to Xavier Legette 

Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette lost both his parents before he even graduated high school. Thus, when ESPN's David Newton asked the receiver a question related to his dad ahead of the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, it created a furore on social media.

When discussing the game, Legette mentioned that his dad used to be a big Cowboys fan. Newton then joked that Legette's father won't be a fan of Dallas this week.

Newton's comment did not sit well with fans, many of whom demanded that ESPN fire the reporter.

Nathan M. Snell

@1NathanSnell

That is disgusting.

Michelle

@PettyPisces19

You can see the pain and hurt in his eyes.b If ESPN doesn’t fire David Newton then the Panthers should revoke his credentials. To make this joke when you know his parents passed away was intentional and unacceptable!

𝑲𝒚

@Kaashindigo

Fire him immediately not even joking nasty piece of shit

Two Shows One Host

@2shows1host

Hey @ESPNPR @espn you’ve got a reporter covering the Carolina Panthers that has been out of touch for a while. You now have him making one of the most insensitive comments I’ve ever heard. Everyone following this team knows XL’s parents passed away. I cannot imagine this

For Panthers Fans Only (Podcast)

@FPFO_Podcast

🚨ATTENTION #NFL FANS🚨 The Panthers community really needs your help. We need to get rid of David Newton from our beat. He has been awful for YEARS and @espn and the @Panthers organization hasn’t done anything about it. Please take 30 seconds to the petition under this tweet

Jas🦅

@DubhKeMarja

David Newton should be out of a job for repeatedly being a bitch

To make matters worse, Newton had written an article about Xavier Legette last year, where he talked about the death of the receiver's parents.

The Panthers acquired Legette in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 497 yards and four touchdowns. His team finished third in the NFC South with a 5-12 record.

The Panthers have managed a 2-3 record heading into their Week 6 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Legette has played in three games and has tallied 39 yards with one touchdown.

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David Newton apologizes for his remark to Xavier Legette

Following the backlash, the Panthers reporter apologized for his line of questioning. Newton tweeted that it was an honest mistake on his part and that he will be more careful going forward.

"I have been in touch with the Panthers and have also reached out to Xavier Legette to apologize for my question Thursday regarding his late father's Cowboys fandom. There is no excuse for my forgetting a hard moment in X's life."

"I have nothing but respect for Xavier. It was an innoncent mistake on my part, but a hurtful one, and I hope he will accept by apology."

David Newton

@DNewtonespn

I have been in touch with the Panthers and have also reached out to Xavier Legette to apologize for my question Thursday regarding his late father’s Cowboys fandom. There is no excuse for my forgetting a hard moment in X’s life. I have nothing but respect for Xavier. It was an

The Panthers will hope to build on their 27-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins last week. The Panthers-Cowboys game will be broadcast on FOX at 1:00 pm ET.