NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to Cam Newton on Tuesday about the quarterback's concerns regarding the lack of late-hit penalties, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported per a source informed of the situation.
The development comes two days after Newton expressed concerns over his safety after the Panthers quarterback sustained a low hit from Calais Campbell during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. Campbell was not penalized on the hit.
"It's really taking the fun out of the game for me honestly," Newton said at the time. "Because at times I don't even feel safe. And enough is enough. I plan on talking to Commissioner Goodell about this. But it's not fun. And I don't know what I have to do."
"I could have torn my ACL," Newton added "That's the breaking point."
Newton said he's taken hits that have drawn flags for other quarterbacks, but not him.
"The story of my life ever since I came in is, 'Oh, oh well we missed that one, I'm sorry, we'll try to get it.' That's bullcrap, that's bullcrap."
In its review, the league and NFL Players Association determined the Panthers and officials properly followed concussion protocol during and after the game. However, a league source told NFL Network's Judy Battista that at least one of the hits sustained by Newton that wasn't penalized should have drawn a flag.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he supports Newton "100 percent" in his effort to get the NFL and Goodell to address the issue. Rivera, who said he "was disappointed" that no flag was thrown on the Campbell hit, added he has reached out to Goodell about the situation.
