Cam Newton dismisses 'sore loser' talk, admits he avoided fumble out of fear of injury

Cam Newton spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since his instantly infamous post-Super Bowl press conference, where he didn't say much of anything after the Carolina Panthers' 24-10 loss.

Newton refused to apologize for avoiding the tough questions on Sunday night.

"I don't have to conform to what anybody wants ... I am my own person," Newton told reporters.

He added: "I'm on record as being a sore loser. I hate losing. You show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser."

Newton defended his decision not to fall on a fumble late in the game and essentially admitted it was to avoid injury. Specifically, Newton said he would have had to contort his leg to get the ball.

The reigning MVP promised he will take the Panthers back to the Super Bowl.

"We will be back, and I mean that," Newton stated. "Nobody's expectations (for this team) exceed mine."