Josh Norman, Deion Sanders clash over Odell Beckham Jr. altercation
During his Monday press conference, Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman accused Hall of Fame corner Deion Sanders of supporting Odell Beckham Jr. in the aftermath of the December altercation between the two players.
Speaking at Super Bowl 50 Opening Night, Sanders—who is now an analyst for NFL Network—questioned Norman about the incident. Sanders said he had tried to help the two players reconcile, and had encouraged Beckham to reach out to Norman. But Norman felt Sanders’s show of friendship was lopsided.
“I felt like you had his back on some stuff,” Norman said, according to USA Today. “Like he was your son and you’d give him props. He’s trying to take me out and that’s what you’re going to pat him on the back for and say good job?”
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Beckham was suspended for one game for participating in a number of physical altercations with Norman during the Giants’ loss to the Panthers in Week 15. Norman was fined $26,044 for his role in the incident.
Despite earning a reputation for trash-talking—and admitting that he enjoys verbally engaging with opposing receivers—Norman clarified his actions toward Beckham.
“I think people get misconstrued about how I go about doing things,” Norman said, according to Fox Sports. “I don’t talk unless you talk.”
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Norman, 28, will make his first Super Bowl appearance against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
- Erin Flynn
