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Players say Panthers owner will support them if they protest

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson watches before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers say team captains and other selected players met with owner Richardson at his home Tuesday, Sept. 26, to "discuss social issues affecting the league and solutions moving forward." (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File) FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson watches before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers say team captains and other selected players met with owner Richardson at his home Tuesday, Sept. 26, to "discuss social issues affecting the league and solutions moving forward." (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)

By Associated Press September 27, 2017 1 min read

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Panthers quarterback Cam Newton says players were given assurance from team owner Jerry Richardson that they’re free to protest and express their views without having to worry about any repercussions from him.

But players said Wednesday Richardson did warn them about potential backlash from the public.

Newton, other team captains and a few selected players met with Richardson on Tuesday at his Charlotte home to express concerns they had about protesting while playing for Richardson’s organization.

While hundreds of players around the league protested the comments from President Trump on Sunday the only Carolina player who did was defensive end Julius Peppers. He remained in the tunnel for the national anthem.

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn expressed concern that protesting might jeopardize his job security with the Panthers because of Richardson.

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