Cam Newton Says He Will Talk to Roger Goodell Regarding Late Hits

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said Sunday he's grown tired of taking late hits from defenders and plans to discuss the matter with Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"It’s really taking the fun out of the game for me," Newton told reporters. "At times I don't even feel safe. And enough is enough. I plan on talking to Commissioner Goodell about this. And I don't know what I have to do."

NFL.com provided video of his full comments, starting at the 1:50 mark:

The reigning MVP threw for 212 yards and added 43 on the ground, as the Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 30-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While Newton was sacked only once, he took multiple hard hits—particularly when he left the pocket to throw or run.

One particular play saw Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell nearly take out Newton's knee when trying to make a play.

"I could have torn my ACL. That's the breaking point. The story of my life ever since I came in is, 'Oh we missed that one.' ... That’s horse crap," Newton told reporters.

Newton went on to compare his treatment to quarterbacks throughout the league (via Jonathan Jones of SI.com):

"

When I see other guys get calls, they don’t have to be MVPs. They don’t have to be this that and the third of being this type of tier of player. I look at how they get hit. And for every hit that they get that gets called, I can match it in my career that it didn’t get called. 

I can’t speak for nobody else. I’m speaking for Cam Newton. I’m telling you, you have to question it. It’s taking the fun out for me. At times in games I do not feel protected by the officials.

"

Known as one of the league's preeminent dual threats, Newton already missed one game this season after suffering a concussion. He rushed only two times in a Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints after returning from the injury but said earlier this week that would not be the norm going forward.

"Even through the game, I know everybody's watching going, 'How many times is Cam gonna run?'" Newton told reporters. "That's who I am. I would prefer to be involved in the game. I know, as the Panthers, that's our edge."

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera supported his quarterback on Monday, per Jones:

Former NFL head coach and current NBC broadcaster Tony Dungy believes Newton shouldn't have had to bring up the issue, per Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer: "Cam should not have to be the one saying this. His head coach, his owner and everybody in the organization should be saying this."

Newton has rushed for at least 500 yards and five touchdowns in each of his five NFL seasons. He's currently on a career-worst pace as a runner, averaging just 31.8 yards per game. That puts him at a pace of around 478 yards, assuming he plays every remaining game.

As for whether any tangible changes will be made regarding his calls, that remains to be seen. The league office may view Newton's comments as contemptuous; he may be more likely to receive a fine than different treatment.

But given some of the hits Newton and other "running" quarterbacks take without penalty calls, it's fair to wonder if a different set of rules apply. It's something the NFL needs address; otherwise, electric players such as Newton will be spending their time on the sideline or confined to the pocket.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.