Key members of the Carolina Panthers met with team owner Jerry Richardson yesterday to discuss concerns about their inability (without repercussion) to join fellow NFL members around the league in protest of injustice in this country and show support of black-balled quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
After practice Wednesday, Cam Newton called the meeting with Richardson “productive” and said the head of the franchise would support them if/when they decided to protest. Newton also talked about growing up in College Park and how he has a “cushion” from law enforcement now that he didn’t have as a kid.
More from Cam Newton pic.twitter.com/NRo5RWWWyF
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) September 27, 2017
Cam Newton on yesterday’s meeting with Jerry Richardson pic.twitter.com/3dSmwGwaAP
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) September 27, 2017
Cam Newton calls Colin Kaepernick a "legend". Says he doesn't let a day go by without respecting what Kaep has done re. social issues.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 27, 2017
Cam Newton confirms that at mtg Jerry Richardson assured players they'd have no repercussions from him if they demonstrated #Panthers @wcnc
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) September 27, 2017
Newton was much more polished than he was after Sunday’s loss when talking to media about the NFL protests. Socially, he hasn’t appeared to be the same guy we saw during his 2015 MVP season, when he unapologetically dabbed and proudly claimed that he was an African American quarterback – admitting his demeanor may “scare” people. It seems as if he’s trying please everyone, but straddling the fence pleases no one. I’m looking forward to the days when Newton goes back to being himself. I believe it will not only help him off the field, but his play on it.
And don’t think just because Newton and his teammates deferred their right to protest Sunday, that they don’t have plan to honor the struggle this week or in coming weeks.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said Wednesday that he’s “absolutely” taking time to consider a protest this week, when his team plays Sunday at New England.
Newton said he has talked this week with athletes and entertainers, considering what the next steps in responding to comments by President Donald Trump and raising awareness of racial issues in the country.
“The time is upon us to do something to bring people closer together,” Newton said.