Calls for ESPN Reporter David Newton’s Firing After Insensitive Question

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — ESPN reporter David Newton is facing backlash and calls for his firing after he asked wide receiver Xavier Legette an insensitive question about his late father’s fandom ahead of a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The incident occurred during an interview on October 8, 2025, when Newton questioned the 24-year-old player about his family’s support for the Cowboys. When Legette mentioned that his father had been a fan, Newton quipped, “I take it he won’t be this week.” This remark visibly upset Legette, who responded, ‘for sure’ his father wasn’t a Cowboys fan anymore.

The question was particularly hurtful, as many knew Legette had lost both parents at a young age. His mother died after battling breast cancer shortly after his freshman year of high school, and his father passed away from a heart attack in March 2019, just before Legette graduated.

Legette’s wide receivers coach, Donald Brown, recalled a poignant moment when he told Legette, “Only if your mom and dad could be here,” to which Legette replied, “Coach, they’re here.” His words highlight the depth of his loss and the sensitivity required in such discussions.

The fans’ outrage was swift and intense, with many taking to social media to demand Newton’s resignation. One tweet stated, “Just resign. That was terrible.” A podcast dedicated to Panthers fans echoed these sentiments, urging the team to get rid of Newton due to his history of inappropriate comments.

A petition was launched on X, gathering 1,412 signatures calling for Newton’s dismissal. The petition claimed, “David Newton’s disrespectful questions and words have gone on for way too long.”

In light of the backlash, Newton posted an apology on X, stating, “I have been in touch with the Panthers and have also reached out to Xavier Legette to apologize for my question Thursday regarding his late father’s Cowboys fandom. There is no excuse for my forgetting a hard moment in X’s life.” Though he attempted to clarify his intentions, skepticism surrounded his apology, with others claiming, “You didn’t forget his dad died. You wrote a story about it.”

The controversy has raised questions about media sensitivity towards athletes and their personal histories, particularly in the wake of tragic circumstances.