“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” never entered his mind.
Via 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.
“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.