Cam Newton refuses to back down to fans accusing him of posting a “gang” photo on Instagram.
Newton isn’t the most active user on social media, but he did post a photo Thursday of himself with several friends. According to The Charlotte Observer, the photo was taken on a trip to Mexico in May. Newton is seen throwing up some letters with his hands, while five others are seen with red bandannas over their faces.
Newton received backlash because some thought he was throwing up a gang sign in the photo. You can see one comment ask whether the photo is of the “Panthers Crips or Bloods.” Contrary to what theorists believe, The Observer says Newton was just holding up a “W” to represent his alma mater Westlake High in Atlanta.
A day later Newton posted a second photo of himself and his friends in suits and then defended the first picture.
“I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” -Muhammad Ali
Before you begin to judge!? 1. Every1 in the previous post has a degree and is WELL educated…. DO/ARE YOU!??
2. I am; who I am; and why are you so judge mental in “2015”…. ARE YOU AFRA1D of what you don’t understand!?? If you DONT understand why throw SHADE (speaking on something you do not know about; for people who don’t understand the meaning of throwing “shade”). Now with all that said, “I COU1D REALLY CARE 1ESS WHAT YOU TH1NK OF ME; IamWHATiAM AND THATS A PERSON TRYiNG TO CHASE GREATNESS NOT TRYiNG TO BE ANY1ELSE or WHAT WANT ME TO BE”
3. Is this picture better for you S1MPLEminded PEOP1E; who are quick to judge something/someone “WHEN YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THE NEXT PERSON”!? something to think about
•2PiCTURES •SAMEpeopleINbothPICTURES •WHATdoYOUsee “OR”
•WHATdoYOUwantTOsee
❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓
…………in the famous words of the JOKER “WHYsoSER1OUS”myK1LLA………….. -1OVE
That sure was a passionate defense from Newton, and his reaction makes plenty of sense.
Recall that when he was drafted in 2011, the Panthers’ owner told him not to get any tattoos or piercings. Jerry Richardson cares about the image of his franchise, and he wants his franchise quarterback to represent the team well. He doesn’t want a situation like the one in Philly where DeSean Jackson’s alleged gang ties led to a trade. That’s why Newton is getting out there to address the photo before this becomes an even bigger issue.
But I do have a few additional points. For one, why does he use the number “1” in place of the letter “I” and “L” in his writing? That’s just bizarre. Two, although the red bandannas certainly are notable, the guys wearing them appear to be covered in dirt. Is it possible they were using the bandannas to cover their mouths and nose while they went off-roading? And lastly, this isn’t the first time Newton has been accused of throwing up a gang sign:
