Can Cam Newton catch a break and get a little bit of respect out here?

After being heavily criticized for his dabbing in the end zone — with a Nashville mother even taking the time to pen a letter to him last month — it seems like the NFL is making an effort to stop the star quarterback and MVP candidate from celebrating his touchdowns... even if that means handing the football to a kid.

In the midst of leading the Carolina Panthers (12-0) to yet another victory Sunday, Newton threw a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints, but when he tried to get the football to hand to a kid in the stands, a referee inexplicably tossed it to a sideline attendant.

That didn't stop Newton, as he chased down the sideline attendant, snatched the football out of his hands and handed it to a kid in the stands.

Hey NFL — you can't stop Superman and his traditions.

The hate is real.

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(Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)