“Cam Newton acted like a real punk,” a friend texted me shortly after the Super Bowl. “Wearing a hoodie and giving one-word answers to reporters, and then walking out.”

I cringed inwardly, remembering the connection between “hoodie” and Trayvon Martin’s death by wannabe cop.

“Haven’t seen the interview,” I texted back. “Reminds me of Trump.”

Shortly afterward, I heard a replay of the interview, and Cam Newton did come across as distant and brusque. I couldn’t help wondering, however, how my bratty 20-something self would have reacted to intrusive questions after a public humiliation. Nonetheless, I strongly agree that Mr. Newton needs to do a much better job handling interviews after a significant failure.

As I listened to the commentary surrounding this interview on ESPN radio, I noticed how the increased number of African American voices were adding differing perspectives that were often absent during prior sports incidents that involved race. In October, 2014, for example, several African American players accused Russell Wilson, their quarterback, of not being “black enough.” The mostly-white sports talking heads, with varying degrees of vehemence, accused Wilson’s detractors as being petty, jealous, and/or lazy. With the increased presence of African American talking heads, the discussion surrounding Cam Newton was less polarized and more thoughtful. Both black and white ESPN talking heads agreed that Cam Newton had handled himself badly, especially as team leader. But he had just experienced the worst loss of his football career; the interview environment was less than welcoming; and he might have walked out because he feared that he might lose control when he overheard a member of the Denver Broncos talking about how they had conquered the Panther offense. “He must do better, and he will,” several African American talking heads promised.

My friend called the next morning.

“Cam really did act badly,” she told me.

“Of course he did,” I said.

“But I guess he was under a lot of pressure,” she mused.

I told her I agreed, summarizing what I had learned while listening to ESPN radio. “And he really does remind me of Donald Trump.”

“How?” she asked.

I told her that Mr. Trump had accused his opponents of cheating after losing to Senator Cruz in Iowa. “They’re both sore losers,” I concluded.

“I guess.”

“And let’s remember how trashing the media has been a major strategy that mostly male Republican presidential candidates have used during their debates.”

BOOYAH! to my friend for putting herself in Cam’s shoes. BOOYAH! to ESPN management for hiring quality African Americans and giving them the space to shine. And a big Bronx cheer to politicians, business leaders, and others in authority who act like sore losers when things don’t go their way.

Here’s hoping that Cam Newton becomes a better leader through this experience. Here’s hoping that each of us has the grace to step back from hurtful comments we make, and that we give others the chance to save face. Let’s encourage other organizations to follow the example of ESPN to leverage the benefits of diversity.