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Panthers QB Cam Newton Speaks On Race In America In Wake Of Charlotte Shooting, Riots

Panthers QB Cam Newton, in his "most expansive comments on race relations and social justice in his career," yesterday spoke for "more than 12 minutes about race in America" one day after the shooting death of a black man in Charlotte, according to Jonathan Jones of SI.com. Newton said, "I'm an African-American. I am not happy how the justice has been kind of dealt with over the years. The state of oppression in our community. But we also, as black people, have to do right by ourselves. We can't be hypocrites" (SI.com, 9/21). In Charlotte, Joseph Person writes it was the "most expansive and animated as Newton has been on race in five-plus NFL seasons." Newton was "measured with his comments," as he "balanced remarks about the senselessness of police brutality with an allusion to black-on-black crime." Newton also "correctly ... described the lose-lose situation he's in when he wades into race and politics." Newton: "I'm in a position now where if I say something, it's going to be critiqued and if I don't say something, 'Oh, you fake or you flaw.' I'm a firm believer of justice. I'm a firm believer of doing the right thing." He said that he "respects the stance taken" by 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. Newton: "But I also can make a stand in my own right. That's why I have a foundation and I've been trying to do any and everything to bring the city of Charlotte or wherever that I'm around and can impact it in a positive way. And [I'm] hoping people will see that and do the same thing" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/22).

NO FOOTBALL QUESTIONS: Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin yesterday said that he has "had 'extensive conversations'" with Kaepernick about his "actions to combat racial inequalities and injustices and that he and other" Seahawks players are on board to help. Baldwin: "It's been more of conversation about what the next step is and what the follow-through will be, exchanging ideas of what we can do to help the situation." Baldwin "lauded Kaepernick for his stand and said it's up to other players to pick up the ball and find what they can do to assist" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 9/22). In Seattle, Bob Condotta notes Seahawks CB Richard Sherman yesterday "used the platform of his weekly meeting with the media to make his own statement on some of the social issues facing this country -- specifically, the recent spate of police shootings of African-Americans." Sherman "took no questions, instead speaking for roughly two minutes, saying that he feels more needs to be done because the message isn't getting through." He said, "The last couple days a couple more guys have gotten shot and killed in the middle of the street. More videos have come out of guys getting killed, and I think people are still missing the point. The reason these guys are kneeling, the reason we're locking arms is to bring people together to make people aware that this is not right" (SEATTLE TIMES, 9/22). In Tacoma, Gregg Bell notes Sherman after his press conference "walked off the stage, down a few steps, up an aisle and out of the auditorium." That left everyone "watching to contemplate in silence what he'd just said, what his message stood for and meant about our country." Bell: "Which, of course, was exactly his intent" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 9/22).

TAKING ACTION: The four Dolphins players who protested the Anthem in Week 1 on Tuesday met with community leaders and police officials, and S Michael Thomas said, "It showed it's possible for people who are protesting, who want to see change, that they can work with the law enforcement. And law enforcement recognizes there is a problem." Colonel Steve Kinsey, undersheriff of the Broward County Sheriff's Office, said, "It was a start. They had a chance to explain themselves, how they weren't anti-police or anti-military" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 9/22).

OTHER TEAMS TAKING PART? In Buffalo, Jerry Sullivan writes more NFL players are "bound to exercise" their right to kneel during the National Anthem before this week's games. Bills DT Corbin Bryant said, "By the end of the season, every team will be doing it. There has to be a point man we can talk to and get the conversation started, because the injustice is just ridiculous." Bills coach Rex Ryan said that no players have "approached him about a possible protest." Bills DE Jerry Hughes said that he is "unaware if any teammates intend to protest" (BUFFALO NEWS, 9/22). In Newark, Connor Hughes notes every Jets player and coach "has stood" for the Anthem during the team's games thus far this season, and there "hasn't been any talk of that changing" Sunday against the Chiefs. Jets LB Erin Henderson, on whether the team is considering a protest, said, "No, we are not" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 9/22). On Long Island, Bob Glauber notes Giants coach Ben McAdoo "wants to see change ... but not at the expense of the anthem." McAdoo was "quite eloquent in stating his belief that pressing for societal progress should be a common goal for the organization." McAdoo said, "I had a conversation with a few guys, and they're conflicted and want to make a difference. I encourage them to, and I'd like to be involved with them. Anything I can do to help. But still, I feel that you can make a difference outside the anthem. I still believe you should pay tribute to the people who sacrifice their lives so we can coach and play in this great game" (NEWSDAY, 9/22).

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