For the week ending September 29th, 2017, Keith here with a look at Panthers news, the Roaring Riot Beantown takeover and touch on a couple of interesting stories to get you ready for the game Sunday.
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During a politically charged weekend when several teams and players knelt in protest during the National Anthem, the Panthers were one of two teams in the league to refrain from participating in the protest. Defensive End Julius Peppers was the only member of the team to stay in the locker room in protest.
Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn told WFNZ that he and other teammates felt threatened if they protested.
On Monday Panthers team owner Jerry Richardson issued a statement which read, in part, “politicizing the game is damaging and takes the focus off the greatness of the game itself and those who play it.”
On Tuesday Panthers players met with Richardson at his home to discuss their feelings about the protests. Richardson assured the players there would be no repercussions by the team if they opted to participate in a protest but he warned that public opinion may not be as forgiving.
Cam Newton has indicated that he may participate in a protest this weekend.
During Sunday’s match with the Saints Kelvin Benjamin was brought down with a rodeo-style tackle which appeared to hyperextend his left knee. Benjamin sat out the rest of the game with ice on his knee. MRI results showed there were no tears and we received word this week that Benjamin is expected to start against the Patriots.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera has committed to donate $50,000 to help fund relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Rivera’s father is from the US territory. Ric Elias, the CEO of Fort Mill, SC-based Red Ventures is raising funds for relief efforts with a goal of $10 million.
Luke Kuechly has admitted that he got away with a holding call on Rob Gronkowski during a Monday Night Football game in 2013. The final play was controversial as the Patriots marched down the field with Brady attempting to connect with Gronkowski in the west end zone. Officials threw a flag and then picked it up saying Brady’s pass was uncatchable.
Kuechly admitted during a conference call with the New England press that he “might have gotten away with one.” The Panthers won that game with a score of 24-20.
The Panthers’ Friday injury lists Curtis Samuel, Daryl Worley, Ryan Kalil, Daeshon Hall and Jeremy Cash all out against New England Sunday. Kalil has been nursing a hurt neck making this the 3rd game in a row he has missed.
The current betting line has the Patriots as 9-point favorites over the Panthers.
Remember, with the next Panthers win Cam Newton will surpass Jake Delhomme for the most wins in team history.
The Roaring Riot has rolled into Boston this weekend for our Beantown takeover! In a weekend packed with festivities, Roaring Riot members will be taking in a Red Sox game at Fenway park plus having a big welcome party at The Banshee, where the Beantown Riot chapter meets. And of course Sunday everyone will be heading to Gillette Stadium to cheer on our Carolina Panthers.
Our podcast co-host Ashlyn will be there! Please stop by and say hello! Also be sure to say hi to our friend Denn from the
