What was meant to be a fun ESPN segment became an off-script brawl at the Magic City Classic festivities in Birmingham.
First Take broadcast from Legion Field on Friday, a day before the Alabama State vs Alabama A&M game, but chaos ensued after a segment in which the two mascots of the teams raced against Cam Newton.
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Thankfully for the mascot, Newton’s jab would have caused little damage due to his costumeCredit: @ABC1340
Former NFL MVP turns ESPN analyst Newton was standing at the finish line when Stinger, the Alabama State Hornets’ mascot, beat Butch, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs’ mascot, in a 40-yard dash.
Newton was celebrating with Stinger when Butch tried to get involved and knocked off his hat.
The ex-NFL star didn’t take it well and threw what looked like a punch or slap at the bulldog mascot.
The pair then began to grapple with each other before it slowly ended.
The bulldog followed him before seemingly trying to make amends.
“Stop playing with me!” Newton was heard saying as he cautioned the Alabama A&M mascot.
It may have been staged, but it looked extremely real as crew members had to walk the mascot away from Newton.
Fans online reacted to Newton’s strike as footage of their brawl went viral.
“Cam wanna mess around and then get mad,” one fan wrote on X.
“Cam turning into the biggest clown in the world. Are you really fighting a mascot lol,” another fan posted.
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While Cam Newton played for several college days, his best known for his season at Auburn, which won him the Heisman trophyCredit: GETTY
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The pair seemingly ended the brawl on good termsCredit: @ABC1340
“No lie I stand with Cam on this one, even my own kids know not to touch my hats or beanies,” another wrote on X.
Even Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin got involved with a post on Facebook.
“Cam Newton-1 Bulldogs Mascot-0,” said Woodfin.
It’s not the first time a Newton brawl has gone viral, with one he had as a youth also regularly resurfacing on X.
Newton has been appearing on ESPN regularly since he was hired to be an analyst on First Take last year.
He was signed to an extension this year, and his role has seemingly been expanded on the show, as he makes more appearances and travels with the crew on their special programs.
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