Panthers` Newton wants to send black quarterback issue to the

Panthers' Newton wants to send black
quarterback issue to the sidelines
By Associated Press, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.08.16
Word Count 633
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (left) talks to Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning after NFL Super Bowl 50 in Santa
Clara, California, Feb. 7, 2016. The Broncos won 24-10. Photo: AP/David J. Phillip. BELOW: Cam Newton looks pained as
he walks the sideline late in the game. Photo: David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/TNS
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Cam Newton doesn't want to hear any more talk about black
quarterbacks playing in a Super Bowl.
Newton, one of the National Football League's star quarterbacks, is African-American. Last
week, he was preparing to start for the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. There have
been only five other black quarterbacks who have started for their teams in a Super Bowl.
On Tuesday Newton tried to stop people from treating this as something special. He
believes it is no longer newsworthy that a black quarterback is in the NFL's championship
game.
During a series of questions by a journalist that bordered on confrontational, Newton finally
said to the reporter, "It's not an issue. It's an issue for you."
Carolina's star quarterback became tired of the topic. He added, "I think we shattered that
a long time ago."
"We Limit Ourselves"
This was the third time Newton had to deal with the subject since the Panthers made the
Super Bowl two weeks ago. He didn't need to point out that several other black
quarterbacks have led their teams to the big game. This list includes Doug Williams, Steve
McNair, and Donovan McNabb. Colin Kaepernick did it in 2013. Seattle's Russell Wilson
has done it twice, in 2014 and 2015.
Color? It matters not at all and never should have, Newton said.
"I don't even want to touch on the topic of 'black quarterback' because I think this game is
bigger than black, white or even green," Newton said. By using labels, "I think we limit
ourselves," he said.
"I want to bring awareness because of that, but yeah, I don't think I should be labeled just
a black quarterback," Newton said. There are bigger things in the sport that need to be
accomplished, he said.
Taking A Different Route
Newton talked to journalists for about 30 minutes, calmly, and often comically, answering
questions. But when the issue of race was raised, he became serious.
He spoke about being a role model and having others look up to him. He spoke about
living the dream he has had since he was young. He also spoke about making a
difference.
"I pray to God that, you know, I do right by my influence," Newton said. "So when you ask
me questions about African-American or being a black and mobile (quarterback), it's
bigger than that.
He said he travels all over and talks to kids, parents and athletes. "They look at my story
and they see a person — African-American or not — they see something that they can
relate to," Newton said. "They see a guy who went a different route than just going to a
major Division I school and flourishing there."
Issues Bigger Than Race
Many star players in the NFL played their entire college careers for one of the top schools
in Division I. Newton did not. First he attended two colleges. Then he went to a third
college, Auburn University in Alabama, where he won the national college championship.
"But I just want to become relatable, you know what I'm saying? It's bigger than race,"
Newton said. He continued by saying's more "about "opening up a door for guys that don't
want to be labeled, that have bigger views and say, 'Well, I'm in this situation, I'm living in
this environment right now, but I also want to be an artist, I want to be a poet. But I don't
have the means, you know, to necessarily do the right things at that point.'"
Newton, who had to work to find the right college environment before becoming a star
quarterback, had one more thing to say. "As for me, I just want to give those people hope."
UPDATE: The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl over the Carolina
Panthers, 24-10.
Quiz
1
Which of the following answer choices describes TWO MAIN ideas in the article?
1.
2.
3.
4.
2
3
Newton believes that his race should not be a major issue.
Newton believes that reporters ask too many unimportant
questions.
Newton believes that it is important that he serve as an
inspiration.
Newton believes that too many black football players limit
themselves.
(A)
1 and 3
(B)
1 and 4
(C)
2 and 3
(D)
2 and 4
Which selection from the article MOST strongly supports Newton's central argument?
(A)
During a series of questions by a journalist that bordered on confrontational,
Newton finally said to the reporter, "It's not an issue. It's an issue for you."
(B)
He didn't need to point out that several other black quarterbacks have led
their teams to the big game.
(C)
He spoke about being a role model and having others look up to him. He
spoke about living the dream he has had since he was young.
(D)
"But I just want to become relatable, you know what I'm saying? It's bigger
than race," Newton said.
Which sentence from the article would be MOST important to include in its summary?
(A)
Newton, one of the National Football League's star quarterbacks, is AfricanAmerican.
(B)
This was the third time Newton had to deal with the subject since the
Panthers made the Super Bowl two weeks ago.
(C)
This list includes Doug Williams, Steve McNair and Donovan McNabb.
(D)
Newton talked to journalists for about 30 minutes, calmly, and often
comically, answering questions.
4
What is the PRIMARY purpose of this article?
(A)
to describe to readers a serious racial issue in the NFL
(B)
to argue that race should no longer be an issue in the NFL
(C)
to inform readers about Newton's views concerning black quarterbacks
(D)
to demonstrate that Newton is the model to which all football players should
aspire