Cam Newton: No line crossed with Seahawks '12' flag toss

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newtonsays he believes he was justified in taking a "12" flag from a Seattle fan, crumpling it up and tossing it after last season's home playoff game against theSeahawks.

"Where was the flag at? Was it at our house?" Newton asked after practice Thursday at San Jose State University, where the Panthers are preparing for Sunday night's game at Seattle.

Newton's response came a day after Seahawks cornerback Richard Shermanbristled in recalling Newton's move, calling it "karma'' that the Panthers (4-7) don't appear headed for the playoffs.

"It's irrelevant what he says right now," Newton said. "I have a lot of respect for Richard. I don't think that has nothing to do with karma that another opposing team's flag was in my stadium."

Sherman's comment came when he was asked by reporters in Seattle if Newton crossed the line with his gesture.

"Yeah, he probably did,'' Sherman said. "I guess karma gets you. It doesn't look like you're going to be in the playoffs this year."

Carolina beat Seattle twice last season, 27-23 during the regular season at CenturyLink Field and 31-24 in the NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

The teams have met in the playoffs each of the past two seasons, but only Seattle (7-3-1) appears headed back this season.

Newton mentioned Sherman one other time on Thursday, this during an exchange about whether he has spent time with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during his time in California.

"Nunya," Newton said, seeming to imply it was none of the media's business.

When asked jokingly if he might try to get Curry to play wideout for the Panthers, Newton said, "I'm going to try to take Richard Sherman. Just joking."

Curry grew up in Charlotte and is a huge fan of the Panthers.

Asked if he was going to watch Curry and the Warriors face the Houston Rockets Thursday in Oakland, Newton again said, "Nunya."

Newton did in fact attend the game, wearing a Warriors jacket and cap.