Cam Newton was benched for the Carolina Panthers' first offensive play on Sunday because he didn't wear a tie on the team's flight to Seattle on Friday.
Newton failed to pack a collared dress shirt that would accommodate a tie for the Panthers' extended West Coast road trip.
Newton boarded the team’s charter flight wearing a black turtleneck and blazer.
“My decision. Completely my decision,” Ron Rivera said. “The decision was made because I treat them all the same.”
Derek Anderson started the game and threw an interception on the first play of the game.
“We didn’t lose this game because of a tie, you know what I’m saying?” Newton said.