Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is catching heat over remarks he made during Wednesday’s media availability. While fielding a question about his receivers from Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue, Newton broke into a broad grin. “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes,” he said. His response drew swift rebuke from the N.F.L., the Pro Football Writers of America, the Association for Women in Sports Media and others. Rodrigue posted on Twitter that she confronted Newton later and that his response in private was “worse.”