STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Is He Serious: Does Cam Newton Really Think America Is Beyond Race?

What country is the NFL MVP living in?

Is Cam Newton OK?

Right before losing Super Bowl 50 this past February, the NFL MVP and Carolina Panthers' star quarterback told the media: "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.”

Well, as the cover subject for GQ magazine's new September issue, Cam tried to downplay race in the United States, saying the country is "beyond that."

“I don’t want this to be about race, because it’s not. It’s not," Newton tells GQ. "Like, we’re beyond that. As a nation.”

When asked by the publication if he really thinks that's the case, the QB responded: “Yeah. I mean, you bring it to people’s attention. But after that, that’s it.”

Wow ... the country is beyond race? Really? Then how can he explain the rash of continuing police brutality incidents against African-Americans or cops being targeted?

Before that, when GQ asked Newton if he feels like football fans are racist toward him, he responded: “It’s not racism. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.”

Newton added: “I’ll let you be the judge. I don’t look at it like that. I look at it like some people have certain beliefs, and I have my own belief, and we can agree to disagree on certain things. But this is what makes sports so amazing, that we can start a discussion around a table, in the newspaper, in the magazines, that will get people’s attention. And that’s what sports does.”

Although he was candid speaking about race, Newton didn't delve into his thoughts when asked about Donald Trump and North Carolina's anti-LGBT law when asked about them by the publication.

To read his full GQ cover story, click here.

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.