Carolina Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton’s gave his ambiguous two cents on the National Anthem Colin Kaepernick controversy. In an interview with ESPN Thursday night (Sept. 1) Newton said he won’t judge the 49ers because it’s simply not his place.
“How does one-eighth of an inch — something so small — be the difference in such a big (subject)? And that’s the thickness of our skin: one-eighth of an inch. And under that we’re all the same color. You know? And that’s the big picture,” Newton said.
Newton’s stance is a very different tune from one he famously sung in the past as he led the Panthers to SuperBowl 50 “I’m an African-American quarterback that scares people because they haven’t seen nothing that they can compare me to.” Now the 27-year-old is remaining neutral on Kaepernick’s stance choosing to echo an All Lives Matter sentiment.
“You know, a lot of scrutiny happens when athletes start talking about, you know, race, but the truth of the matter is we gotta do right by each other. No matter what color we are. …”Who am I to say ‘Colin, you’re wrong’? And who am I to say ‘Bro, you’re right’? Because we all, you know, we all have the right to think whatever we wanna think. And I respect that by everybody.”
Newton’s comments pleased some, while infuriated others.
Cam Newton clumsily talking about race while not trying to offend anyone. pic.twitter.com/UpCjTmzlKh
— Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) September 1, 2016
I was such a fan of Cam Newton but it is what it is. He cancelled.
— Ashley K. (@AshleyKSmalls) September 1, 2016
Re: Cam Newton. To much is given, much is expected. As he matures, I hope Cam learn that his success requires him speak up for his people.
— Terrell J. Starr (@Russian_Starr) September 1, 2016