BIRMINGHAM, Ala.| October 25,2025 — A festive moment at this year’s Magic City Classic took an unexpected turn when former NFL MVP Cam Newton became entangled in a scuffle with the Alabama A&M mascot following a spirited mascot race on Saturday.
Video that circulated widely on social media shows Newton, a high-profile presence at the Classic, standing near the finish line as the mascots raced. Alabama State’s Stinger crossed the line first and celebrated with Newton, who appeared to be congratulating the hornet. Moments later, Butch — the bulldog mascot representing Alabama A&M — approached the group and, according to the footage, knocked Newton’s hat off. What began as a playful altercation quickly escalated.
The video appears to show Newton reacting by striking toward Butch; witnesses described what looked like either a slap or a punch. The two then grappled briefly before the encounter subsided. Newton was captured on video saying, “Stop playing with me!” as the situation wound down. Neither the mascot nor Newton appeared to be seriously injured, and the footage ends as onlookers and event staff stepped in to separate the parties.
Multiple attendees expressed surprise at the incident, noting the unusual scene amid what is typically a jubilant HBCU weekend. The Magic City Classic is one of the marquee events on the Black college football calendar, pairing the annual Grambling–Jackson State faceoff — along with a host of fan events, performances and community gatherings. The weekend regularly draws alumni, celebrities and national attention, and organizers work diligently to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Newton, a Louisiana native and former league MVP who has remained visible in media and philanthropic circles since his NFL career, has frequently appeared at HBCU and community events. On Saturday he was part of the festivities, but the altercation with Butch briefly overshadowed the pageantry that usually defines the Classic’s celebrations.
Representatives for Newton and for Alabama A&M did not immediately return requests for comment as the video made the rounds. A spokesperson for the Magic City Classic likewise did not provide an immediate statement, but several event staffers were shown in the footage helping to defuse the moment. There were no immediate reports of arrests or formal complaints filed in connection with the incident, and neither team announced any internal disciplinary measures at the time of publication.
Reactions on social platforms were swift and divided. Some viewers criticized Newton for engaging physically with a mascot — a costumed performer employed to entertain fans and energize the crowd. Others suggested the moment was taken out of context or blown up by people looking for controversy. A number of commenters urged cooler heads and reminded observers that mascots are performers who often participate in staged antics and pranks.
Mascots are traditionally extensions of a school’s spirit program, and while their hijinks can be raucous, on-field and sideline boundaries are generally respected by guests and officials. The unusual nature of Saturday’s exchange raised questions about how public figures engage with mascots and performers during high-energy events.
For his part, Newton has a long history in the public eye — both for on-field heroics and for outspoken off-field moments. That record ensures any incident involving him draws intense scrutiny.
As the Magic City Classic moved on, organizers worked to restore the festive tone of the weekend. Fans who attended the event said the incident was a brief interruption in what otherwise was a lively day of pageantry, music and community celebration. For now, questions about whether any formal action will be taken — by Newton’s camp, the schools involved, or event authorities — remain unanswered.
This episode is likely to prompt a review of event protocols around celebrity interactions with mascots and on-field performers, even as it serves as a reminder that high-profile personalities can change the tenor of a celebration in an instant.
