The Carolina Panthers won their 10th game of the season Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. It’s a game that saw former NFL MVP Cam Newton put up a stellar performance.
It also comes with Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson mired in a sexual misconduct investigation that could have wide-ranging ramifications for the organization.
Speaking up about his team’s owner after Sunday’s game, Newton seemingly threw his support in Richardson’s way.
Question 1 to Cam Newton on #Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and allegations of work place misconduct. Cam Newton spoke of what he knows best–his own personal rapport w/ Richardson calling him a "refuge" as someone who understands him. pic.twitter.com/m7sivo7R8z
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 17, 2017
Newton made sure not to talk specifically about the case itself. Instead, he spoke up about his personal relationship with Richardson, one that the quarterback deems to be important to him. Some will say Newton should have kept his mouth shut here. And that’s understandable. But he answered the question in a very mature way without even attempting to discuss the allegations of misconduct.
Earlier on Sunday, it was reported that the NFL has taken over the investigation. This came after the Panthers themselves announced an internal investigation on Friday.
It also comes after Sports Illustrated ran an in-depth story focusing on specific allegations, including sexual harassment and racial slurs (read that here).
In any event, the Panthers’ most-popular player decided to speak up about his team’s owner on Sunday. How this situation plays out moving forward will be extremely interesting.