Goodell, Newton spoke on phone about QB hits

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A person familiar with the situation says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke via telephone with Cam Newton about the Carolina Panthers quarterback's concerns over not being protected by game officials from hits while in the pocket.

The phone call came Tuesday, but it's unclear exactly what they discussed.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the details of the meeting were not disclosed.

Newton criticized league officials after Carolina's 30-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, saying that he ''doesn't feel safe'' in the pocket because officials are treating him differently than other QBs in the league and not throwing flags.

Newton said he reached his breaking point when Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell hit him below the knees as he released the football. Campbell was not penalized.