Cam Newton laughed when a female reporter asked about one of his teammates on Wednesday, saying it was "funny to hear a female" ask the question.

Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue asked Newton about Devin Funchess embracing the physicality of routes and if the quarterback got enjoyment out of that.

"It's funny to hear a female talk about routes like -- it's funny," he replied.

Panthers director of communications Steven Drummond said in a statement that he spoke with Newton and Rodrigue "and I know they had a conversation where he expressed regret for using those words. We strive as a department to make the environment for media comfortable for everyone covering the team."

Rodrigue said in a statement that Newton did not apologize.

"This afternoon, I did my job as an NFL beat writer and asked Cam Newton a question about one of his receivers. I was dismayed by his response, which not only belittled me but countless other women before me and beside me who work in similar jobs," Rodrigue said. "I sought Mr. Newton out as he left the locker room a few minutes later. He did not apologize for his comments."