If Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton wants some advice on handling life in the spotlight, he doesn't have to look far. Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan is in the same city. Heck, he's in the same building.
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"Obviously he's trying to put a lot of things on his back, and that's human nature," Jordan told Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer last week. "Sometimes when you expect so many great things, you want to carry that burden yourself. And it's virtually impossible.
"He's got to look at himself in the mirror," Jordan continued. "Every leader in any scenario always must look himself in the mirror and say, 'Can I do more?' or 'What can I do to enhance the scenario with my teammates to pull them along?' or do whatever I can to try to make the situation better."
Newton was asked about the article Sunday after the Panthers upset Washington in the Redskins' "homecoming" game. Newton had yet to see the article, but he did reveal that he knows Jordan well.
"I think Michael Jordan is ... an outlet for me to talk to," Newton said. "And everybody knows his skill set of what he brought to the game of basketball and how great he played at a high level for years to come. So I'm very close to him, and I have an ongoing relationship with him and will continue to have it. So anything he has said I need to do, my ears are open. And you know I'm going to be willing to do it."
I don't really even know what to add here. But when the greatest player in NBA history has a "close" relationship with one of the most dynamic young stars in the NFL, it should be noted and recorded for posterity. I feel better already.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
