Cam Newton: It's time to retire the dab, do something else

ByDAVID NEWTON
June 9, 2016, 11:47 AM

— -- CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The dab has been shelved.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is working on another touchdown celebrations to replace the Atlanta-based dance he helped popularized last season.

"I have to put that aside,'' the NFL MVP said Thursday during an interview on WFZN-AM radio's "The Mac Attack'' show from Charlotte.

Newton first performed the dab after a 2-yard touchdown run in a November game at Tennessee. It drew national attention when a mother attending the game sent the quarterback a note about how the dance was offensive to her 9-year-old daughter.

She wrote: "The chest puffs. The pelvic thrusts. The arrogant struts and the 'in your face' taunting of both the Titans' players and fans. We saw it all.

"I refuse to believe you don't realize you are a role model. You are paid millions of dollars every week to play hard and be a leader. In the off season you're expected to make appearances, support charities, and inspire young kids to pursue your sport and all sports.''

Newton defended his right to dance, saying it takes him to his "happy place.'' He continued to dab the rest of the season.

"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion,'' Newton said of the mother's comments. "You can't fault her for that. It is what it is. If she feels offended I'll apologize to her, but at the end of the day, I am who I am.''

So what will Newton's new touchdown celebration be? He didn't say.

"I have until September to find out,'' he said.