Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is under fire for saying America is “beyond racism”.
Newton made the controversial remarks in his cover interview for the latest edition of GQ magazine.
The 27-year-old father-of-one, who is dressed as fictional superhero Superman for the cover, discussed why he believes he is the most hated man in NFL football.
“It’s not racism,” Newton said. “Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.”
In an interview before Super Bowl 50, Newton said, “I’m an African-American quarterback that may scare a lot of people because they haven’t seen nothing that they can compare me to”
When asked about that previous comment, Newton told GQ, “I don’t want this to be about race, because it’s not. It’s not. Like, we’re beyond that. As a nation.”
Newton’s belief — that racism is no longer a problem in America — set off a tidal wave of outrage in black communities that are still reeling from police brutality.
Newton was dubbed “Fig Newton” by angry social media users, and his name was trending on Twitter.com on Monday.
People so mad that they turned Cam Newton into a fig Newton. I'm SCREAMING pic.twitter.com/cfcwMCE2Uj
— // Venny // (@DarthVenn) August 15, 2016
So Cam Newton tuckin his tail to avoid controversy? I expected better. Especially bc of all the racist comments thrown at him.
— #SayHerName (@HiiiPoweredSoul) August 15, 2016
Cam Newton can't say it, but the reality is white supremacy dominates everything including the sports industry.
— Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) August 15, 2016
Now watch racist, "Black Twitter" tear Cam Newton apart.
Don't go off that Dem plantation, Cam! You have to see yourself as a victim!
— Leah the Boss (@LeahRBoss) August 15, 2016
And these reporters will deliberately ask Blk athletes like Cam Newton about racial issues KNOWING that speaking the truth will jeopardize $
— Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) August 15, 2016
Wait wait wait a min… Cam Newton has a degree in sociology & says his criticisms have nothing to do with race??? pic.twitter.com/iOhSuSS7zN
— TC Ivy (@BienSur_JeTaime) August 15, 2016
Cam Newton provided food to some homeless folks in Baltimore a day prior to the preseason opener. pic.twitter.com/avZqE72FIT
— The Panther Nation (@IGpanthernation) August 13, 2016
Cam Newton fed homeless ppl up in Baltimore. He's doing more for the community than many of you "woke" ppl who hate him now.
— 2002 Chris Jericho (@SlickVick_23) August 15, 2016
Cam Newton says we're "beyond race"?
Hey Cam, DON'T Google "racist Cam Newton tweets" pic.twitter.com/JhWv9STdYl
— ItsJustJayNow (@ChocnessMonsta) August 15, 2016
Cam Newton think if he dress like a white woman he dont gotta worry about racism
— Meggie (@OhEmmeG) August 15, 2016
Take away the fame & the money let's see if Cam Newton still thinks we are beyond racism.
— Dre. (@Blueraydre) August 15, 2016