Mark Schlereth ticked off a lot of people Sunday night.
Schlereth, a former offensive lineman now serving as an NFL analyst for ESPN, joined most of America in tweeting about Jordan Spieth’s epic Masters collapse. Only Schlereth didn’t pile on Spieth or offer words of encouragement. Instead, he saw the 22-year-old golfer’s unforgettable meltdown as an opportunity to zing another popular athlete: Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
I hope Cam Newton is watching Jordan Spieth's interview right now. To be a true professional you have to be able to face the music
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) April 10, 2016
Basically, Schlereth doesn’t like how Newton conducted himself after Carolina’s loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. So when Spieth handled himself with class Sunday after falling apart in the final round at Augusta National, Schlereth decided to remind everyone of Newton’s post-Super Bowl press conference, which the reigning NFL MVP cut short following a few succinct answers.
Although Spieth’s post-Masters interview is an exercise in how to handle defeat, Schlereth’s comparison didn’t sit well with everyone, mostly because it seemed like a random and unnecessary shot at Newton two months after the fact.
Seems I struck a nerve with the Cam apologists…Good!
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) April 10, 2016
It's no wonder we are so screwed up we have a society full of excuse makers! Take responsibility people
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) April 11, 2016
Dear excuse makers I didn't realize April was exempt month when it comes to learning valuable life lessons.
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) April 11, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports Images