Your inbox approves Men's coaches poll Women's coaches poll Play to win 25K!
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Cam Newton

Bill Romanowski rips Panthers' Cam Newton on Twitter, apologizes for calling him 'boy'

Gerry Ahern
USA TODAY Sports
Bill Romanowski spent 16 seasons as an NFL linebacker.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski caused a stir on social media Sunday night in the wake of the Denver Broncos' upset of the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Romanowski ripped Panthers quarterback and NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton for being short with reporters after the loss and eventually walking away from the lectern. Newton had been criticized this season for his flamboyance on the field and celebrations of big plays. Many believe race was at the center of the criticism of Newton.

Romanowski blasted Newton.

Cam Newton bolts Super Bowl news conference after terse exchanges

"You will never last in the NFL with that attitude.” Romanowski ranted on Twitter. "The world doesn’t revolve around you, boy! #CamNewton

All things Panthers: Latest Carolina Panthers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Romanowski deleted that tweet. Later, he returned to Twitter in an attempt to clarify his remarks.

"Calm down everyone!" he tweeted. "I meant he needs to grow up!”

Eventually Romanowski tweeted this apology: "I apologize for that remark 'boy'. It was not intentional or even trying to disrespect others. Peace everyone!"

Romanowski, a 16-year NFL veteran with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Broncos and Oakland Raiders, is no stranger to controversy.  He had a reputation as a dirty player, earned multiple fines for illegal hits and admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs (steroids and HGH) during his career. According to records, the PEDs were supplied by Victor Conte, the man at the center of the BALCO scandal.

PHOTOS: Super Bowl 50

Featured Weekly Ad