Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton commented on the Charlotte protests via the shirt he wore during warmups
On Saturday, the Charlotte police department released footage of the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott that occurred on Tuesday. Ahead of the Carolina Panthers Week 3 matchup on Sunday quarterback Cam Newton decided to wear a shirt as a message in light of the current Charlotte protests and the Scott shooting.
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Many fans have wondered if and how Newton will use his platform as the league’s reigning MVP to speak out against police violence. We’ve seen Colin Kaepernick and members of the Miami Dolphins and other teams protest the national anthem in an effort to start a national conversation.
Some have felt that Newton has been quiet on this front, but it does not seem like that is a fair conclusion to make anymore. Ahead of their Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Newton wore a shirt to warmups, seemingly offering his commentary. The shirt reads, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” With that, he joined the national conversation in a major way.
Cam Newton wearing a shirt for warmups that reads "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." #Panthers pic.twitter.com/e3IVo3Qp4X
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) September 25, 2016
About a month ago, Newton received criticism for saying that America is “beyond” racism, so this message can be seen as a contradiction to that statement. However, Newton’s takes on race relations in America seem to be more nuanced than just one action in isolation. And it appears he would simply like to use his platform to prevent violence and bridge the gaps in our understanding as a nation.