WATCH: Cam Newton laughs at female reporter, makes sexist comment

The Carolina Panthers quarter-back was asked about his relationship with Devin Funchess by Jourdan Rodrigue, a female reporter for the Charlotte Observer.

The 28-year-old, who signed a contract extension worth £76million in 2015, then replied it was "funny to hear a female talk about routes".

Rodrigue hit back later in a statement. She said: "I was dismayed by his response. I did my job as an NFL beat writer and asked Cam Newton a question about one of his receivers.

Panthers spokesman Steve Drummond said: "I have spoken with Jourdan and Cam and I know they had a conversation where he expressed regret for using those words.

"We strive as a department to make the environment for media comfortable for everyone covering the team."

The NFL criticised Newton – who led the Panthers to Super Bowl L last year, where they lost to Denver – saying in a statement that the comments were "plain wrong and disrespectful" and "did not reflect the thinking of the league".