The Panthers quarterback “didn’t want to be a distraction” when he visited families who lost loved ones in the shooting that killed nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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“Out of respect to the families, I didn’t want to say too much about it,” Newton said Thursday while hosting a 7v7 tournament in Charlotte for area high school teams. “I just wanted to show my respect.”
Newton on Monday met with Chris Singleton, whose mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, was among the nine killed. Pictures of the get-together were posted to Twitter and Instagram by Rashard Alston.
The Panthers and owner Jerry Richardson donated $100,000 to the families of the victims to help with funeral costs. Each of the nine families of those slain in the mass shooting would receive $10,000, with the remaining $10,000 going towards a memorial.
The 26-year-old quarterback understands that, as a celebrity athlete and role model, his presence was vital.
“One thing we have to realize in this life is we have to use our influence in a positive way,” Newton said. “It was done in South Carolina. Being the face of a franchise that’s based out of North Carolina, it’s the whole gamut.
“I would have to question myself if i didn’t go.”
