Cam Newton: Important to visit Charleston as QB of Carolinas' team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton says Monday's visit with families of the victims from last week's shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, was important as the face of an NFL organization that represents North and South Carolina.

Newton's trip to Charleston came five days after nine people were shot and killed by a 21-year-old white man at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

"It was a senseless act, but at the same time it was done in South Carolina," Newton said Thursday during his Cam Newton Foundation 7 V 7 Football Tournament, which included teams representing both Carolinas. "Being a face of a franchise that is based out of North Carolina, it's the whole gamut.

"Why didn't I go? That's the thing I would have to question myself if I didn't go. I'm happy I did it. And so much respect to those families who lost their loved one."

Newton reached out to Newberry (South Carolina) linebacker Rashard Alston to set up the visit with his friend Chris Singleton, a Charleston Southern University baseball player whose mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, was among those killed.

Alston posted pictures of Newton's visit on Twitter and Instagram.

"I didn't want to be a distraction by no means," Newton said. "I just wanted to show my respect."

Newton's visit to Charleston was for many of the same reasons his foundation holds events such as the 7 V 7 Tournament that will conclude on July 10-11 at Nation Ford High in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The event Thursday was held at Charlotte's Olympic High School.

"One thing we have to realize in this life is we have to use our influence in a positive way," Newton said. "That's all I was just trying to do."

Carolina owner Jerry Richardson founded the Panthers 21 years ago with the promise to make it a team of both Carolinas. Three days before Newton's visit to Charleston, Richardson donated $10,000 to each of the families of the victims to help with funeral costs and other expenses.

He also donated $10,000 to the church where the shooting occurred.

On Monday, Richardson made it clear through a team spokesman that the Panthers do not support any "divisive symbols" such as the Confederate flag that flies over the Statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina.

The statement came after South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called for the removal of the flag.

"Our organization prides itself on bringing people together," team spokesman Steven Drummond said. "Divisive symbols and actions should not stand in conflict to progress, healing and the unification of all of our citizens."