Now, what about the hat?
Advertisement
Newton has been critiqued for his playing style and demeanor on and off the field throughout his five seasons in the National Football League, and some have pointed to Newton’s race as part of the reason he receives such criticism. Newton stayed away from the politics like a loose football in the Super Bowl, but you can check out the full interview and profile of Newton via GQ for more.
“It’s not racism”, Newton told the magazine.
“It’s not racism. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion”, Newton said. “I’ll let you be the judge”. I don’t look at it like that. I think that’s the thing that we lost sight of today. But this is what makes sports so wonderful, that we can start a discussion around a table, in the newspaper, in the magazines, that will get people’s attention. But maybe he’s also just exhausted of it, and the fact that it’s a discussion that has been had so frequently in the past year or so suggests that we are definitely not “beyond that” as a nation. They may not all be the subject of letters to the editor of the Charlotte Observer from people who feel it is their business to comment on their family dynamics, but there’s a common thread of star quarterbacks being in the crosshairs that extends beyond the color of their skin. “I don’t want this to be about race, because it’s not”. And she’s preaching to the choir.
Newton countered on the next play with a long touchdown pass to receiver Devin Funchess, who returned a “got him!” as he ran back to the huddle. “I don’t even want to touch the topic of black quarterback, because I think this game is bigger than black, white or green”, Newton said in February, before the game.
He’s been criticized for what he wears off the field, how he plays on it and especially for how he chooses to celebrate his success as well as lament his failure.
I thought it was cool that they stopped play so the teams could watch.
Advertisement
I’m incredulous that he’s so incredulous.
