Jerry Richardson owner of the Carolina Panthers has caused a stir with recent comments he made about Cam Newton and his appearance. Richardson said in an interview that Cam was dressed perfectly and him not having any tattoos or piercings was a good thing and we should keep it that way. This is discrimination through and through. I understand your appearance does matter to some and affects the perception of you, but there are plenty of players on the Panthers with tattoos, piercings and long hair. So why is Cam singled out and told to keep his appearance the way it is? Just because Cam has no tattoos and piercings doesn’t mean that he’s going to be trouble free and people will like him more, and what does any of that have to do with his play on the field. Richardson is a 75 year old white man whose comments are reminiscent of what black males have been fighting against, being judged solely on their appearance instead of their character. Did Richardson tell Jeremy Shockey who signed with the Panthers this off season not to get any more tattoos and to cut his hair? If not, then why single out Cam, why try to curtail his style and way he wants to be perceived? Yes it is Richardson’s’ team and he can make the rules as he sees fit, but that’s like working at McDonalds and I’m the only cashier told to wear my name tag. It’s unfair, and with the race factor, it makes it feel like he has a problem with black men with tattoos, piercings and long hair. Did he tell Deangelo Williams to cut his hair before he signed him to a 5 year contract with $21 million dollars guaranteed? Obviously in 2011 we haven’t made the progress we thought, where no matter your character you’re still judged on your appearance and stereotypes. Below is the video of Richardson where he’s speaking on Cam Newton.
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