CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- There were no short, snappy answers from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on Wednesday, no visible signs of what he calls the "dark, dark" place he goes after losing. Once, in mid-sentence, he paused to say "bless you" when a member of the media sneezed.
Criticized early in his career for sulking on the sideline with a towel over his head and again three years ago for walking out of his news conference following a loss to Denver in Super Bowl 50, Newton still hates to lose.
He just handles it better now.