SEATTLE - Quarterback Cam Newton did not start the Panthers' game against the Seattle Seahawks for disciplinary reasons. Following are head coach Ron Rivera's comments on the decision.
On the decision to not start quarterback Cam Newton: It was a travel dress code violation. The decision was to treat him like I do all the other players on the team, and he didn't start.
On if the dress code violation was for not wearing a necktie: I'm not going to get into what our dress code is.
On if this was solely his decision: Yes, my decision. Completely my decision. The decision was made because I treat them (players) all the same.
On if it was just one incident: Yes.
On when he made the decision to not start Newton: I made the decision to not start him after I found out the infraction.
On how long he planned to bench Newton: It was going to be one series. I didn't anticipate the series lasting one play.
On what it says about a team captain breaking the rules: I'm not getting into it. I made a decision; the decision is I treat everyone the same way.
Derek Anderson started in place of Newton. On the first play of the game, he threw a pass that bounced off the hands of fullback Mike Tolbert and was intercepted by Seahawks linebacker Mike Morgan.
This marked the first time in Newton's six-year NFL career that he didn't start a game for a reason other than injury. Newton entered the game on Carolina's second offensive series.
