Newton benched for not wearing tie

It just keeps getting weirder.

After Derek Anderson threw an interception on the first play while mysteriously starting the Carolina Panthers' Sunday night game against the Seattle Seahawks, it was reported that Cam Newton was benched for violating a minor team rule.

What was that rule?

According to Ashley Stroehlein of WBTV, Newton violated the team's dress code by note wearing a tie.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera confirmed the decision after the game.

"It was a travel dress-code violation," Rivera said, via NFL Network's Jeff Darlington, adding that he wanted to treat all players the same.

Newton also confirmed the ruling.

"I didn't follow dress code and coach told me I wasn't going to start," Newton said.

"Coach has rules in place and we have to abide by them."

Here is a photo of Newton prior to the game:

The timing and reasoning of this benching are a tad peculiar due to Newton's typically flamboyant dress style that regularly does not include ties.