Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton pays respects in Charleston

Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers has always been in the spotlight. He knows that. And that’s why he didn’t make a big deal out of his trip to Charleston, South Carolina this week.

“Out of respect of the families, I didn’t want to say anything too much about it,” he told Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review. “What was done, it was done. I didn’t want to be a distraction by no means; I just wanted to show my respect.”

The face of the franchise that markets itself to both Carolinas said he felt it was his responsibility to use his celebrity status for a good purpose.

“One thing we have to realize in this life is we have to use our influence in a positive way, and that’s all I was trying to do,” Newton said. “It was a senseless act, but at the same time, it was done in South Carolina. Being the face of a franchise that’s based out of North Carolina, it’s the whole gamut. So why didn’t I go? That’s the thing I would have had to question myself if I didn’t go. I’m happy I did it, and so much respect to those families who lost their loved ones.”

Newton’s visit is just the latest step in a series of supportive actions the Panthers organization has taken in wake of the events in Charleston. Team owner Jerry Richardson donated $100,000 to the victims’ families, and the team also took a public stand against the Confederate flag hanging outside the South Carolina Statehouse.

Next: Carolina Panthers, others join South Carolina's flag debate

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Carolina Panthers