Cam Newton moves all in against Anthony Richardson

Cam Newton didn't hold back when he chided Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who opted out of Sunday's loss to the Texans, because he said he was “tired.”

During the latest episode of his “4th&1” podcast, Newton, a former NFL MVP quarterback, gave Richardson a lesson in professionalism when it comes to taking “the easy way out” – telling the 22-year-old to get laid pull yourself together and grow up.

Richardson was substituted for Joe Flacco, and coach Shane Steichen said that would remain the case “in the future,” but did not link the move to Richardson subbing himself in for the Colts' 23-20 loss in Week 8.

Newton played an earlier clip of Richardson saying during an offseason podcast appearance, “Playing in the NFL, I feel like it's easier than college.”

“You can’t say that and say in the press conference (on Sunday) that you’re tired,” Newton said. “You’re in the big leagues now, man. These are the big leagues. A lot of people are in college and they're like, “Oh man, bro, I'm going to dominate.”

“No, you just think you're going to do what (Ravens quarterback) Lamar Jackson does?” Newton said, before naming quarterback legends including Tom Brady. “It's not easy. This game isn't easy, bro.

“…The way you play the game is not fair. If I look at a stat and you're 10 of 32 for 175 yards, a touchdown and an outrageous interception… dude, what the fuck. You can't do that… 45 yards rushing. Get that shit down.”

Newton emphasized how important it was for Richardson to get reps as a young quarterback, explaining that he couldn't be mad about sitting on the bench.

“You gotta suck the shit up and get ready to make the next play,” Newton said. “When people make the decision to say we're going with Joe Flacco, you can't bring yourself to do it because you haven't had the awareness or the experience to know what it's like, because those are representatives.

“It’s no one’s job to make sure you’re prepared. Signs of being a true professional – you have to be mentally and physically prepared and that, ladies and gentlemen, Anthony Richardson’s situation embodies both.”

The 4th&1 account posted a clip of Newton's rant with the caption: “Anthony Richardson… This isn't college, GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER.”

During a Friday appearance on ESPN's “First Take,” Newton sharpened his comments about Richardson.

“You have now given so many people ammunition to shoot back at you. Don't do that!” Newton said, “You don't just come into a league and take these things for granted.” And it comes back to the word immaturity.

“… Things like that are where you come into your own on the field and you can come out on top with a division game like the Texans, no, bro. We need you to fight.”

On Wednesday, Steichen said, “This isn't just a one-week change” when he announced Flacco would be the starter.

“I'm just looking at where we are as a football team, at .500 and still a lot of football left,” he said, adding that he won't give up on Richardson.

“He’s a really young player with a lot of talent.”

The Colts face the Vikings on Sunday at US Bank Stadium in Minnesota.