Cam
Newton wears shirt with MLK quote during pre-game warmup
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[September 26, 2016]
(Reuters) - Carolina Panthers
quarterback Cam Newton weighed into the Charlotte unrest by wearing
a T-shirt emblazoned with a famous quote from civil rights activist
Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of his team's home game on Sunday.
The reigning NFL Most Valuable Player took the field for the pregame
warmup wearing a black T-Shirt with a King quote on the back in
white letters that read "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere."
Newton's on-field statement at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium
came five days after a black man, Keith Scott, was fatally shot by a
black policeman in Charlotte.
Demonstrations have been a constant for nearly a week in the North
Carolina city and there was increased police presence outside the
Panthers' stadium where protesters were marching as fans arrived for
the game.
Newton, who usually eschews social comment, spoke about the incident
last Thursday.
"I'm a firm a believer of justice. I'm a firm believer of doing the
right thing," Newton told reporters.
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"And I can't repeat it enough of just holding people accountable ...
I am not happy with what or how the justice has been kind of dealt
with over the years.
"The police brutality ... it's embarrassing to even talk about. When
you sit up here and list the names, it's crazy to even think about
how did this even happen and how do police who take a leave absence
and still get paid."
Newton followed regular protocol during the playing of the U.S.
national anthem before Carolina's game against the Minnesota
Vikings.
The only player on either team spotted making a silent statement was
Panthers backup safety Marcus Ball, who stood with his right arm
raised and index finger extended.
Elsewhere, over a dozen NFL players made silent protests during the
national anthem, in a continuing league-wide movement that shows no
sign of waning.
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![](../images/092616pics/sports55.jpg)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scores a touchdown in
the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob
Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started what has
become a controversy when he began the gesture against injustice and
police brutality by refusing to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner"
during preseason games.
In Jacksonville on Sunday, four Jaguars players raised their right
hand during the anthem, the first time this season anyone from the
team has not followed protocol.
Four Washington Redskins players also joined the protests by raising
their right fist before their game at the New York Giants.
Denver Bronco Brandon Marshall kneeled during the anthem for a third
straight game ahead of his team's game in Cincinnati.
In Miami, three Dolphins knelt for the anthem, while in Nashville
four players from the home team Tennessee Titans raised a fist, and
were joined by two players from the visiting Oakland Raiders.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Frank
Pingue)
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