CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Cam Newton downplayed the criticism he received last week from Panthers teammate Steve Smith, saying he and his Pro Bowl receiver are still ``on good terms.''

Smith told reporters he chided Newton on the sideline last Thursday night for sulking during the closing minutes of Carolina's 36-7 blowout loss to the Giants.

Newton says he didn't read anything into that, saying he views the 12-year veteran receiver as ``a big brother'' who's always giving him advice on football and life.

Newton believes it's ``bogus'' to single out one instance of Smith offering advice to him and make it a big deal.

Newton says ``Steve Smith talks to me every day.''

Smith says in hindsight he probably should have kept what he said to Newton between the two of them.