Cam Newton ― who previously said that America is “beyond” racism ― has changed his tune in light of Tuesday’s police shooting of a black man in Charlotte.
During the Carolina Panthers weekly media press conference on Wednesday, the reigning NFL MVP was asked to provide his thoughts on the string of racial unrest that has taken place in the city since.
The quarterback at first seemed to hold back sharing his thoughts. Then, he started to open up. Newton repeatedly said that he’s a firm believer in people ― no matter who you are ― being held accountable for their actions, saying “I’m a firm believer of justice. I’m a firm believer of doing the right thing.”
He then added: “I’m an African-American. I am not happy with how justice has been dealt with over the years, the state of oppression in our community.”
Newton also expressed his concern for the families of the victims.
“When things happen in the community, it’s not the fact that things are happening. It’s the way they’re being treated after they’re happening. When you get a person that does some unjust things or killing an innocent person, killing fathers, killing people who have actual families. That’s real. I have a son and a daughter that I’m responsible for. So how would I be if one day they come home and there’s no more daddy?”
Check out Cam Newton’s thoughts in the clip above.
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