The All-Pro linebacker said football has a unique way of bringing people together and believes the game is something the community needs.
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League officials discussed the situation with representatives of the teams and consulted with local authorities in Charlotte, trying to make certain there would be sufficient police manpower and other resources available to ensure the safety of fans attending the game. One man was killed during the protests Wednesday night, and the state declared a state of emergency with no end in sight.
“We are planning to play the game as scheduled on Sunday”, NFL spokesperson Brain McCarthy said in an email to USA TODAY Sports.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said he would prefer to play the game as scheduled, saying “I think it would be good for the city”.
Marshall appears to be more of an uncertainty and could be a game-time decision, although he said earlier in the week that he hopes to play.
The police shooting of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott on Tuesday sparked outrage and violent protests that were entering their third day of Thursday. Scott’s family said he was unarmed and was reading a book while in his vehicle waiting to pick up his child from school.
While Cam Newton called the latest police shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina “embarrassing”, the Carolina Panthers quarterback says he’s not rushing to any judgments until he has more information. He gave me a mouth, two eyes and two ears. Baldwin asked all 50 state attorneys general to review their policies for law enforcement “to eliminate militaristic cultures while putting a higher emphasis on de-escalation tactics and crisis management measures”.
Conversely, the Panthers organization is also said to be considering adding an increased police presence at the Carolina-hosted game.
Last season, the Baltimore Orioles baseball team postponed two home games because of protests following the death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody on April 12, 2015. LeGarrette Blount scored from a yard and then broke a 41-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, running back Adrian Peterson and left tackle Matt Kalil are all out for the long term after needing surgeries. Zimmer said McKinnon will start. Also, starting defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee for a cartilage issue, leaving the former Gator’s availability in question for the immediate future.
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As for Cutler, the Bears haven’t said he is out, though backup Brian Hoyer has been practicing with the first team. More than a dozen police officers were injured during the protest. “They’re being violated and that’s what I think Colin is standing up for”.
