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Former NFL star Cam Newton had a message for the Grambling State and Bethune-Cookman college football programs on the latest episode of his podcast after a brawl broke out among players from each team over the weekend.
The halftime melee resulted in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) handing out suspensions to 27 players, including three who were suspended for two games. Each program also received thousands of dollars in fines.
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Then-Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) takes the field during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Nov. 28, 2021. (Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports)
Newton said on “4th & 1” that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were “set back” because of the struggles that took place on the field.
“I despise the actions … I’m extremely unhappy with what took place. Why? It’s because, make no mistake about it — I’ve spoken at length about equal opportunity,” Newton said. “We’re sitting up here trying to get more access, more visibility, to amplify the platform for HBCUs. Whether you’re in the MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, OVC — or whatever conference you’re in — if you’re a representation of Blackness and Black culture, you should look at this and say to yourself, ‘This set us back.'”
Newton wondered what if the fight took place on a major network that aired college football games and what the conversation would be around HBCU programs.
He added that the overall image was damaged as the schools try to grow in terms of name, image and likeness deals and look for sponsors.
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton watches the first half of a game between the Howard Bison and the Florida A&M Rattlers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 16, 2023. (Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports)
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The former Carolina Panthers quarterback star also took issue with Grambling State head coach Mickey Joseph’s initial comments after the fight. Joseph initially said the school would not tolerate “disrespect” and that they “will meet disrespect with disrespect.”
Joseph apologized and retracted his comments, but it still didn’t sit well with Newton.
“I can forgive you for what you said, I can never forget what you said,” Newton said. “It’s almost like, what are you apologizing for? Are you apologizing because someone above you said, ‘It doesn’t look good and you should apologize for that.’ Or are you apologizing because that’s how you really feel?”
“Everybody in the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, CIAA, OVC, I’m ticked off because it set us back, man. It set us back.”
SWAC admonished the schools and the players who participated in the match.
“We are extremely disappointed by the events that occurred during halftime of the Bethune-Cookman at Grambling State football game,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland in a statement. “This character has no place in Southwestern Athletic Conference and intercollegiate athletics.
Detailed view of a penalty flag during a football game on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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“The conference office has and will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for any actions deemed unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletic programs of our league.”
