Q: I’ve noticed that Carolina quarterback Cam Newton gives away a football to a young fan almost every time the Panthers score a touchdown. Does the NFL fine him for doing this? Also, how much does an NFL football cost?
—William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: The NFL doesn't fine Newton, who played at Atlanta's Westlake High School, for handing footballs to kids at games.
A recent Twitter rumor stated that Newton had been fined $253,552 for giving the footballs away, but an NFL spokesman told the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer that he isn’t fined for the act.
Newton began handing footballs to children in the stands as a rookie in 2011 and it has become one of the “most beloved traditions in team history,” the Observer wrote.
To protect fans, NFL players are fined $5,250 for punting or throwing a ball into the stands. Newton was fined that amount when he threw a ball into the stands after scoring the winning touchdown in a 2013 game, the Observer reported.
The NFL uses only official balls from Wilson Sporting Goods. They are regularly priced at $99.95 on the company’s website.
Q: Where is CBS46 weatherman Jim Kosek?
—Michelle Barnett, Powder Springs
A: Kosek, the chief meteorologist at CBS46, has been taking some time off before the end of the year, he told Q&A on the News in an email.
He’s been with the station for about one year.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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