Volunteer with Youth this Summer -- It's Rewarding

Summertime is approaching, and although we aren't kids anymore (which means gone are the nearly three-month-long summer breaks), there are plenty of opportunities to support youth in our communities. I've found, over the years, this is when many youth programs and nonprofit organizations are in great need of volunteers and mentors. I encourage you to get involved, whether it's in a long-term capacity with one organization or you're supporting various events throughout the coming weeks and months.

On Saturday, I volunteered with the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation's annual football camp. The Carolina Panthers' star, Thomas Davis, puts on the free event for Charlotte youth and invites several of his teammates and other players and coaches from around the NFL to provide a day of fun, sports training, and motivation for the kids (fellow Panthers Luke Kuechly, Ryan Kalil, and Jonathan Stewart were among those in attendance; watch the Panthers.com video of Davis' camp). The camp is a part of TDDDF's annual charity weekend, which also included a fundraising party Friday night at the Harvey B. Gantt Center (also attended and supported by several NFL players).

As I helped with the camp registration Saturday morning, and the kids walked up one by one to check in, it reminded me why I love giving my time to serve youth. Just seeing the looks on their faces -- excitement, enthusiasm, and even shyness for some -- took me back to when I was their ages, and had the benefit of men in my community positively impacting my life (from my father to my Boy Scout troop leaders and recreation league coaches).  

A pleasure volunteering at @ThomasDavisSDTM @TDDDF's free youth football camp today in #CLT. #TDDDF pic.twitter.com/7u1Gc9KeLM

— Jarvis Holliday (@HollidayInk) May 16, 2015

Out here supporting the man of the year @td58 with his football Champ Charlotte #defendingdreams #keeppounding

A photo posted by Jonathan Stewart (@jonathanstewar1) on May 16, 2015 at 8:18am PDT

Below is a quick video I captured with my phone of the TDDDF camp kids shouting their excitement at the end of the day's activities.

I look forward to volunteering with youth throughout this summer, and I hope you will too! Follow me on Twitter @HollidayInk, where I often share details on volunteer and charitable opportunities in Charlotte.

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Carolina Panthers Make Dream Come True for Kid with Cerebral Palsy

I'm a longtime fan and watcher of NBC's Today show, and I have the series set to record on DVR. I hadn't watched yesterday's show yet, and at some point throughout the day I saw on Twitter that Jhene Aiko had performed (I love her, and I saw her perform last weekend in Atlanta). So I watched a little bit of yesterday's episode this morning, primarily fast-forwarding to get to Jhene's performance. And in the process, I came across a great segment involving the Carolina Panthers and a kid who has cerebral palsy.

Credit: Today

In the video below, you'll see what the Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton did for 13-year-old Austin Smith, who enjoys playing football and doesn't let his physical limitations stop him, including giving him and his family tickets (great seats) to this Sunday's home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This further reiterates the influence NFL players--and most professional athletes for that matter--have on our society and on our youth in particular. Generally, these pro stars do a lot of good.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Steve Smith Tweets Out Against Domestic Violence

Several NFL players have spoken out against domestic violence in recent weeks, in the wake of the Ray Rice and Greg Hardy situations. And the latest to take a stance--via Twitter--is Steve Smith, who's in a rather unique position. See, Smith is a former Carolina Panthers player, as you know, and former teammate of Hardy; and he currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens, which was Rice's team until they cut the running back last week after the now-infamous inside-the-elevator video was released.

Credit: @89SteveSmith

I'm not digging in the weeds here on the NFL's domestic violence crises because it's being reported on around the clock on major news networks and publications. But I wanted to share Smith's tweets, in case you haven't seen what he posted last night. And in true Mr. Ice Up Son fashion, he didn't back down from smack talk from other tweeters. Click here to read the full thread.

You know its not that hard get!!!! Keep your damn hands off women!!!! God made women for you to Lean on them Not beat on them #RealTalk

— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) September 18, 2014

@MattW88811 dark past. Go to @SteveSmithFDN and see what I do. You never heard me hit a women so it's not the same. Plus it was 6yrs ago

— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) September 18, 2014

@MattW88811 I'm not judging I'm stating a current events that has happen. 64 homicides were related to domestic violence last yr in clt.

— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) September 18, 2014

@MattW88811 I think these ppl have put themselves in a vonarable place to be judge by many other people. My mom is DV survivor.

— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) September 18, 2014

The last time me and my wife were in elevator heading to our hotel room!!! We got this guy 9 months later.. #Realtalk pic.twitter.com/LV6P6uOrT5

— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) September 18, 2014

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Panthers, NFL Foundation Give $200K Grant to Refurbish West Charlotte H.S. Football Field

Now, for a little bit of good news involving the NFL. A press conference was held this morning at West Charlotte High School to announce that the school will receive a new synthetic turf football field, as the result of a $200,000 grant from the Carolina Panthers through the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program. The program has helped build or renovate 290 football fields in underserved neighborhoods around the country since 1998.

This is just the latest form of community, corporate, and financial support West Charlotte High has received as numerous efforts are underway to help turnaround this once-reputable school that saw its academics and student population's well-being plummet in recent years. Project L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment For Transformation ) has led or coordinated many of these efforts at the high school as well as its eight feeder schools (elementary and middle), all located in Charlotte's westside.

Photos by Jarvis Holliday

There was a lot of positive energy at the press conference this morning. Of course there were officials representing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the Panthers, and sponsors, including CMS' Superintendent Heath Morrison and Duke Energy Foundation president Richard "Stick" Williams, but what thrilled me the most was to see the involvement of students in the ceremony. This, after all, is who the initiative will positively impact the most, and it gives them another reason to be proud of their school and to believe that the community cares. Members of the West Charlotte High marching band played, the cheerleaders cheered, and several of the football players were there. There was also a group of student journalists conducting interviews.

West Charlotte student journalists. 

Sir Purr is excited (as always).

The refurbished football field will not only be used by the high school students but by recreational programs from the community as well.

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Gatorade Debuts 'Sweat It To Get It' Commercials With Peyton Manning and Cam Newton... and 'Customers'

Gatorade released a series of commercials online yesterday for its "Sweat It. Get It" campaign, starring quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Cam Newton. The two NFL stars appear separately in the ads, which range from one minute to two minutes long. They make it difficult for unsuspecting customers to buy Gatorade at a convenience store because the men and women who attempt to purchase the sports drinks haven't sweated, which means they haven't earned it.

Cam appears in two of the commercials, while Peyton is in six--he's the consummate pitch man, isn't he? Even though there are so-called hidden cameras capturing this and it seems to be a real convenience store, like the Jeff Gordon test-drive-prank Pepsi commercial last year, my suspicions are that these are all actors; though one (and only one) of Peyton's seems real. (Jeff Gordon's commercial has gone on to get more than 40 million views, by the way.)

Watch the two commercials with the Carolina Panthers QB below, and you can view all of them at gatorade.com/sweat-it-get-it.

You'll also find Cam and Peyton alongside Eli Manning, Robert Griffin III, and J.J. Watt as Gatorade's The League of Captains. Each player is a comic book character, with actual written and illustrated stories--Cam is "The Blender"--and you can purchase specially designed Gatorade bottles of the characters for a limited time.

Credits: Gatorade

And if you need more Cam in your day, watch the newest episode of "Huddle Up with Cam Newton," a five-part web series by Under Armour that shows inside looks into Cam's life, as he discusses the highs and lows. In the episode three, released today, he talks about how his college football career almost ended before it even started, including a candid moment about sitting the bench behind Tim Tebow.

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No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: DeAngelo Williams Gives Up Business Class Seat for Marine (Maybe)

Coming off of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, in which we were all being patriotic Americans (and by that I mean shooting fireworks, cooking on the grill, going to the movies and baseball games, and taking long naps), Carolina Panthers' running back DeAngelo Williams displayed true patriotism. He shared on his Facebook and Twitter accounts Monday that he gave up his business class seat on his flight to a Marine.

On Facebook, DeAngelo added this caption to the photo: "He just doesn't know it yet but he will be sitting in this seat when he boards the plane. I always give up my 1st class seat! #isalutethetroops!"

And on Twitter, he remarked: "I always give up my seat to military if my seat is better! I truly appreciate our troops #flyingtherightway"

His public display of goodwill made the rounds on several national news outlets, pop culture websites, sports blogs, and, of course, Charlotte news, and was lauded by many on the social networking sites. But it was also met with criticism by some on social media who took issue with the NFL star being "showy" about his good deed. Love and hate comes with the territory on the Internet, so...

But the online comments also quickly took an unexpected turn. Many commenters said that DeAngelo had been duped by a faker because the so-called Marine's uniform display broke protocol:

"You don't wear shooting badges while displaying medals in the dress blue alpha uniform. Anyone with that much time in service would know better. Also looks like the silver and bronze star medals are incorrectly placed by precedence."

"I'm gonna be honest here. He looks like a "faker". I'm a Marine and he is wearing his cover indoors. NO MARINE WEARS THEIR COVER INDOORS. Something is fishy DeAngelo Williams, don't give up your seat to him!"

"That is a great thing to do, however, I am a Marine and that man is NOT! He is faking."

Perhaps the Marine in question, who appears to be an elderly man, will come forward to clear the air. Regardless, I hope this doesn't cause others to second-guess their kind gestures to servicemen and women in the future.

It should also be noted that actress Amy Adams made headlines a week earlier for giving up her first-class seat to a soldier. Except in this case, the notable deed was announced on social media by someone else--ESPN's Jemele Hill--who happened to witness the act.

Just saw actress Amy Adams do something incredibly classy. She gave her 1st class seat to an American soldier. I'm an even bigger fan now.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 27, 2014

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Second Annual Cam Newton 7 v 7 Football Tournament June 26-27; Championship July 11-12

The Cam Newton Foundation brings its Second Annual 7 v 7 High School Football Tournament to Charlotte this week, June 26 and 27. The tournament series began at the end of last month in Atlanta, then went on to Birmingham, and now it's Charlotte's turn, with the games taking place at Hough High School. It's open to the public to attend, admission is $3 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Cam Newton Foundation. So, this is your chance to see some of the area's best high school football players compete, while supporting a foundation that does a lot to aid and lead youth programs in Charlotte (where Cam lives and plays for the Carolina Panthers) and in Atlanta (his hometown).

Cam Newton performs drills with high school players at last year's Charlotte tournament.
Photos credit: Cam Newton Foundation

Each city features several teams of high school players that registered weeks in advance (teams consist of up to 20 players and four coaches), and--new this year--the top two teams from each city, along with select others, will play in the CNF 7v7 championship on July 11 and 12 at Nation Ford High School, just across the Charlotte border in Fort Mill.

Hough High won the Charlotte tournament last year, receiving $2,500 for the school's athletic department, and the second- and third-place finishers received $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. Team trophies and individual awards were also given.

Below is a short video recap from last year's Charlotte tournament, at which Cam was actively involved. "I wanna see unbelievable talent, I wanna see unbelievable sportsmanship, and I wanna see unbelievable swag," said the Panthers' star quarterback.

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Happy 25th Birthday Cam Newton!

Cam Newton turns 25 years old today. We tend to forget how young these star athletes are, when we're creating high demands and expectations of them on the playing fields and beyond. And Cam is entering his fourth season as the starting quarterback of the Carolina Panthers, of which he's now the de facto leader. Add in that he has his own clothing line, a charitable foundation, and lives in the same Charlotte condo building as Michael Jordan (and he recently began using his Twitter account and joined Instagram), it's safe to say the young man has accomplished a lot in a few years.

Credit: Cam Newton Foundation

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Kid Cries Over Steve Smith Being Let Go From Carolina Panthers; No. 89 Gets Emotional Himself

In addition to the blog post I wrote, I went on a little bit of a rant these last couple of days on Twitter and Facebook and in person to my friends about how the Carolina Panthers mistreated their best player ever: Steve Smith.

After No. 89 was officially released from the Panthers Thursday, a group of fans protested outside of Bank of America Stadium. Credit: @GoCarolinas

A lot of us lifelong Panthers fans are angry and, actually, we probably feel more like young Gavin here. But I'm guessing Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman wants us to have the same outlook as little Sophia, Gavin's sister (that we should be happy because we have young stars in Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly). Watch the video below.

Meanwhile, Charlotte radio station Channel 96.1 FM put together a great tribute to Steve yesterday, blending Aloe Blacc's "The Man" with audio clips from some of No. 89's game highlights and press soundbites. It's very fitting because Steve Smith is The Man; it's just that now he'll be the man for some other team.

This morning, Mr. Ice Up Son tweeted that he teared up from the tribute.

@channel961 wow.... thanks guys. Teared up.. overwhelmed by how much support I've received. .. #iceupson u guys are the best
— Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) March 14, 2014

But don't think for a minute that Smitty is softening up. He's still one of the toughest, most fearless wide receivers to ever play the game, which we witnessed for 13 years on and off the field. And as he reminded us yesterday when he called into Charlotte's WFNZ "The Fan" 610 AM, and spoke about what the 2014 season will be like for him once he lands with a new team and if he ends up playing against the Panthers:

“They’re going to get the best, in-shape 35-year old guy that they can get. And if that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on because there is going to be blood and guts everywhere.”

The. Man.

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Steve Smith Deserves to Retire a Panther and Not Until a Year or Two From Now

NFL free agency started this week, so that's why you're seeing several reports of pro football players being signed, re-signed, traded, or released. The Carolina Panthers rarely do anything exciting during free agency--sometimes they hand out big contracts to keep important players intact, but the team doesn't usually bring in a star during this period. And maybe they don't have to. But what they have to do right now is keep Steve Smith.

The Smiths. Credit: instagram.com/aceandsmitty

There are all these different media reports about Smitty's fate, and what could take place this week between him and the Panthers (just Google Steve Smith right now and read). The two most-predicted scenarios are that the team will either trade him or release him. I understand how professional sports work. The players are treated like family, but when they start to age and become less productive, they're reminded that pro sports, especially the NFL where contracts aren't guaranteed, is a business. We've seen countless players play their entire careers with one team, earning many accolades and breaking records along the way, only to be pushed out once they reach their mid-30s. Steve turns 35 in May.

There's a "Save Steve Smith," #SaveSmitty campaign underway on social media.
Credit: teespring.com/savestevesmith

But here's why the Steve Smith/Carolina Panthers situation is different. To put it plainly, the Panthers don't have the resume to get rid of Steve. As my grandma and 'em used to say, they're smelling themselves, meaning they think they're more than what they are. Now, allow me to elaborate.

The Panthers are a relatively young franchise--2014 will be the team's 20th season. During those first 19 years, the Panthers have never had back-to-back winning seasons. Their all-time regular season record is a losing one: 144-160.

For several years, Steve was one of the only bright spots on the team. He gave us reasons to watch, when he made spectacular catches, amassed huge yardage, celebrated in the end zone, and snatched cornerbacks up by the collars during countless scuffles.

And let's not forget the abysmal 2009 and 2010 seasons, between the end of Jake Delhomme's tenure as the Panthers' starting QB and before Cam Newton's. Steve stuck with the team, when he was in his prime and could've asked to be traded for the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.

Steve's stats may have been down during the 2013 season, but he still led the team in catches and receiving yards.

He's played all 13 seasons of his NFL career so far with the Panthers. The way the league is now, with the over abundance of trading, the Panthers will likely never have another wide receiver play that long for them. So I think it's safe to say his team record of 836 receptions and 12,197 yards will never be surpassed, except by him if he is allowed to continue playing for the Panthers.

Steve is currently 19th on the NFL's all-time career receiving yards list. Only 600 yards separate him from the 15th spot held by Irving Fryar. So basically, if Steve plays in 2014, he should finish the season ranked 15th or 16th all-time--Andre Johnson, another active, top-notch receiver, is currently ranked two spots above him and would likely rise several more spots, therefore pushing everyone he surpasses down one. The Panthers will likely never have another top-15, or top-20 for that matter, all-time receiver again.

When his playing days are over, Steve will eventually make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, making him the first career-long Panthers player to do so. It would be so much sweeter on that fateful day if No. 89 is able to say he only wore black, white, and blue his entire NFL career.

I know many within the Panthers organization are looking ahead to the future and are excited about the possibilities. The team has a star quarterback in Cam Newton and a star linebacker in Luke Kuechly. Cam turns 25 years old in May and Luke turns 23 in April, so these two have the potential to be the dominant faces of the franchise for the next decade.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has been with the team three years and general manager Dave Gettleman one year. They're the two, especially the GM, who'll have the most say on what happens with Steve. Let's hope they realize how valuable he is to not only lifelong Panthers fans, but also future ones.

#TBT I interviewed @89SteveSmith for @CharlotteMag May 2006 cover, #BOBAwards issue. @Panthers pic.twitter.com/cY0fApwovz
— Jarvis Holliday (@HollidayInk) March 6, 2014

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William Wilson Clothing Opens Charlotte Showroom

William Wilson, CEO of William Wilson Clothing, has opened a new showroom for his custom clothing line. The Charlotte-based designer makes custom men's suits, shirts, and neckties for his namesake brand, which he launched in 2008. I met William about two years ago and have seen his brand and notoriety grow tremendously during that time. I attended the private grand opening event he held on Monday.

William Wilson shows merchandise at his new showroom. Photos by Marissa Carter. See more.

His new showroom, located in a great storefront space in the Coffey & Thompson building (near the corner of West Morehead and South Tryon streets, where Uptown meets South End), represents the growth of his company. It's not easy getting a clothing line off the ground--all of his custom label suits are handmade--but William has managed to make suits for several professional athletes, including Carolina Panthers players and NASCAR drivers. In fact, he now designs the jackets for the winners of three NASCAR Sprint Cup series races--the Coca-Cola 600, Bank of America 500, and Sprint All-Star Race--as well as the Chiquita Classic golf tournament, and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the best college football defensive player in the nation; 2013 award is being given out December 9).

At the showroom grand opening, I learned that William has recently launched William Everette, his first ready-to-wear collection of business suits. As he explained, this allows him to serve clients who can't afford to pay thousands of dollars for a custom suit, but he can still make quality suits they can buy off the rack for a few hundred dollars.

Another thing I'm impressed by is the humbleness that comes across from William when you're talking to him. At Monday's event, he repeatedly thanked and gave credit to the people he says have helped him along the way and have been instrumental to his success. He also talked a lot about the role God plays in his life.

I never hear Donald Trump talking like that!

William Wilson Clothing, 109 W. Morehead St., williamwilsonclothing.com. Follow William on Twitter @TheClothier.

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Forgot About Cam -- How the Panthers QB Stacks Up Now Against the Young Guns Who Stole His Swagger

"Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got something to say. But nothing comes out when they move their lips. Just a bunch of gibberish. And [mofos] act like they forgot about Dre." That's the chorus Eminem rapped with venom in Dr. Dre's 1999 hit song "Forgot About Dre." Dre, who'd experienced a resurgence in the music industry after signing Eminem and executive producing Em's massive-selling debut album released earlier that year, wanted to remind us that he's still one of the best in the game. I wouldn't be surprised if Cam Newton played "Forgot About Dre" on repeat throughout last spring and summer. I'm almost certain that he had the same attitude coming into this season: to remind us that he's still one of the best in the game.

Cam amazed the sports world during his rookie season in 2011 for the Carolina Panthers, in which he broke several NFL records on his way to passing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns along with rushing for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns, and making the Pro Bowl. While the Panthers still finished with a losing record at 6-10, it was a great improvement from the 2-14 season the year before Mr. Yes We Cam arrived. And it was fun and exciting to watch the Panthers play again (it used to be agonizing). Expectations were high for Cam and the Panthers for the 2012 season.

Credit: facebook.com/CamJNewton2

Because of Cam's rookie year performance, many NFL teams now believed they should take a chance on drafting college quarterbacks who were both a threat passing and running the ball. And instead of 2012 being a season that saw Cam's career continue to rise, it ended up being the year of the young quarterback--for other guys. Rookie QBs Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Robert Griffin III (Washington _________), and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks), plus second-year player Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco 49ers), who barely played and only attempted five passes his rookie season, all put up stellar numbers.

Cam's second-year stats were actually close to his first-year numbers, and on par with the numbers for the 2012 rookies except in the most important category: Wins. He led the Panthers to a 7-9 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season--second in a row under his tutelage. Meanwhile, the 2012 young QB class of Andrew, RGIII, Russell, and Colin each led their teams to winning records and the playoffs, including the 49ers making it to the Super Bowl.

After just one year, mofos had forgotten about Cam. Coming into the 2013 season, most of the (non-Peyton Manning) quarterback buzz was about those four new guys. Cam's name was only mentioned in passing, but not mentioned for passing and rushing. (Get it?)

People in the sports world, just like in the real world, can be extremely fickle. Praise you one day; forget about you the next. Starting off the 2013 season, Cam didn't help his plight for relevancy again, though. The team lost its first two games, and three out of the first four. Things were looking bad, fast. But since then, the Panthers have won three in a row, by an average margin of victory of 19 points. Not only has the defense been playing incredible, but Cam has played great by, most importantly, eliminating the mistakes that would often cost them the game.

At 4-3, by no means is it time to celebrate the Panthers' season. It will still be a battle to make the playoffs. The Panthers' remaining schedule includes games against the 49ers, Patriots, and Saints (twice), each of which have only one or two losses so far. But as we approach the midway point of this season, I thought I'd compare where Cam is statistically against the four quarterbacks who took all of the attention away from him. Of the five of these age-25-and-younger star QBs, only Russell has a higher passer rating than Cam (the two of them rank seventh and eight among all NFL quarterbacks). The number of yards and touchdowns for each of the five guys are pretty much within the same range.

It should be noted that the Seahawks and 49ers have played eight games at this point, while the Panthers, Colts, and Washington have each played seven (because they've had bye weeks already).

Through week eight of the 2013 NFL season
Statistics according to NFL.com.

Russell Wilson Age: 24 (turns 25 on Nov. 29)
Eight games played.
Passing yards: 1,628
Touchdowns (passing): 13
Interceptions: 4
Passer rating: 99.0
Rushing yards: 339

Touchdowns (rushing): 0

Cam Newton Age: 24
Seven games played.
Passing yards: 1,552
Touchdowns (passing): 12
Interceptions: 5
Passer rating: 97.6
Rushing yards: 229
Touchdowns (rushing): 3

Andrew Luck Age: 24
Seven games played.
Passing yards: 1,574
Touchdowns (passing): 10
Interceptions: 3
Passer rating: 91.3
Rushing yards: 183
Touchdowns (rushing): 3

Colin Kaepernick Age: 25 (turns 26 on Nov. 3)
Eight games played.
Passing yards: 1,584
Touchdowns (passing): 9
Interceptions: 5
Passer rating: 87.6
Rushing yards: 294
Touchdowns (rushing): 3

Robert Griffin III Age: 23
Seven games played.
Passing yards: 1,878
Touchdowns (passing): 9
Interceptions: 8
Passer rating: 79.2
Rushing yards: 240
Touchdowns (rushing): 0

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Welp! At Least Cam Newton Isn't Wearing an Atlanta Falcons Hat

The NFL is the only professional sport where the players and teams continue to dominate sports news during their offseason. Guess that's how powerful and influential the league is. Or maybe it's just the around-the-clock sports networks needing to fill time during the summer when there's pretty much only baseball going on.

Well in recent days, we've learned that the San Francisco 49ers' breakout star quarterback Colin Kaepernick likes to rock a Miami Dolphins hat (see here and here) and isn't sorry for it. Then over the weekend, in an interview with The Atlanta Journal Constitution, it was revealed that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is still an Atlanta Falcons fan. "I've always been a Falcons fan, and I'm still a Falcons fan except for those two times a year [when the Panthers play Atlanta]," Cam said.

His comments became big news today once ESPN got wind of it. See their analysts discuss it in the video below.


I don't have a problem with Cam being a Falcons fan. He did, after all, grow up in Atlanta, and it's common for us, as adults, to root for the same teams we were fans of since we were kids. But I have a problem with Cam admitting to being a Falcons fan in 2013. Granted, the AJC article was part of a wide-ranging interview with a reporter he sat down with after an event his Cam Newton Foundation put on for kids at a YMCA in Atlanta (his foundation does great charitable work in both the ATL and Charlotte). But Cam has to know that as the leader of the Carolina Panthers, he can't say anything that puts into question his desire to win in Carolina or loyalty to his team. I'm not questioning it--and, for the record, I'm a big fan of his--but he opens the door to that criticism.

Cam Newton at the School Pride Day his foundation hosted in May for more than 700 Charlotte middle school students. Credit: camnewtonfoundation.org

And at least Cam has ties to the NFL-team-he-paid-homage-to-but-doesn't-play-for. In regards to Colin, however, I can't figure out what's behind his audacity to wear a Dolphins hat--I don't think he's ever lived in Miami, and he didn't play college ball in that city--other than for the fashion statement he was trying to make, which continues to be popular with young guys who love wearing pro teams' hats and athletes' sneakers. Cam and Colin are both young--ages 24 and 25, respectively--so I believe a lot of this behavior and mindset can be attributed to them being born in the late '80s. Could you imagine Randall Cunningham wearing anything other than a Philadelphia Eagles cap back then?

This also reminds me of the time I chastised Cam for wearing a Charlotte Hornets hat to a Bobcats game. Looks like he was just ahead of the curve though.

But in comparison to the trouble some star NFL players get in, if all you or I have to complain about with our team's star quarterback is a little fondness he displays for another team, I'll take it.

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The Tragic Story of Aaron Hernandez, Reminds Me of Rae Carruth

I think most of us were surprised when New England Patriots star tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with murder yesterday. Rumors and speculation had been building for more than a week, after the body of Odin Lloyd was found in a field in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, but it largely alluded to Aaron being charged with something like obstruction of justice. Even though we don't know all of the facts of this case yet, it's clear that Odin is the victim here, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. At 27 years old, it's sad that his life was taken away. Another tragedy in this case: Aaron Hernandez.

Aaron Hernandez during better days. Credit: patriots.com

Yes, if Aaron committed or is responsible for Odin's murder, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. And the case against him, while still in its early stages, looks strong. But as I watched his bail review hearing this afternoon live on ESPN, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Here's a 23-year-old, who had a great career, a lucrative ($40 million) NFL contract (the Patriots released him from the team an hour after he was arrested Wednesday), and a fiancé and eight-month-old daughter at home (7,000-square-foot home at that), who seems to have thrown it all away. After statements from the defense and the prosecutor, the judge denied Aaron's request to be granted bail. So, he'll sit in jail for at least the next year or so until he goes to trial.

It seems likely that Aaron will never see the outside world again. But one thing's for certain: Odin will never see life again.

It's always baffling to me when a person senselessly takes the life of another human being. Don't they realize they're taking that person's life, ruining that person's family's lives, AND destroying their own life as well as devastating the lives of the people who love them?

Aaron Hernandez (left) and Rae Carruth.

The Aaron Hernandez case is quickly drawing comparisons to Rae Carruth, the then-25-year-old Carolina Panthers wide receiver who, in November 1999, hired hitmen to shoot and kill his pregnant girlfriend. In 2009, I wrote a cover story for Creative Loafing, titled "Remembering Infamy: The life and crimes of Rae Carruth — 10 years later," that I think is worth revisiting in light of this new case. Like Aaron--if he's guilty--Rae ruined many lives, including his own.

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Win Free Registration for Your Kid to Attend 2013 Steve Smith Football ProCamp

The annual Steve Smith Football ProCamp is taking place June 10-11, 2013, and Showmars is giving away four spots to the camp with the Carolina Panther great. The camp is for children in grades first through eighth, and parents can enter to win a free registration for their child by filling out an entry form at any of the 28 Charlotte-area Showmars locations. Winners will be contacted on May 24.

Steve Smith autographing T-shirts at his Charlotte camp. Credit: facebook.com/SteveSmithCamp

The Steve Smith Football ProCamp, which takes place at Ardrey Kell High School and costs $149 to attend, is sold out. So this contest is one of the only ways you can get your kid in at this point. The features of the camp, according to the website, include: learning from and interacting with the 12-year Panthers veteran, a limited edition Steve Smith Football ProCamp T-shirt, autographed camp team photo with Steve, opportunity to participate in contests and win prizes, fun and educational experience stations and fundamentals, and more. In past years, Steve's teammates, like Cam Newton and DeAngelo Williams, have joined him at the camp, to the delight of the youth.

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Cam Newton's 'MADE' Clothing Line Debuts at Belk

Last fall, Belk announced its newly formed partnership with Cam Newton to produce a clothing line by the star Carolina Panthers quarterback. Now, MADE Cam Newton has officially arrived in stores. Belk, the exclusive seller of the line, describes it as:

"Modern fashion for the modern, Southern gentleman. Polished for the man who can put it all together. Designed for the man of action. Charismatic as the man who wears it. It's time to get MADE."

MADE offers an assortment of men's pants, shorts, shirts, T-shirts, suits, sportcoats, and ties. Cam is said to have worked closely with Belk's designers in crafting the line. You can tell he's a fan of close-fitting clothing. You don't have to have Cam's physique (we're mere mortals), but you pretty much have to be in shape or be somewhat slim to pull off wearing most of his pieces. (But then again, there are plans to launch MADE Big & Tall soon.) Personally, I like the suits.

 

Credit: pinterest.com/mybelk

The regular retail prices for the items are: complete suits, $500; suit separates, $80-$240; ties, $50; tees, $28-32; polo shirts, $40-45; long-sleeve woven shirts, $60-65; shorts, $50; pants, $60; and jackets, $120.

Charlotte-based Belk is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated department store chain with 301 stores located in 16 Southern states. MADE is being sold in 133 of those stores and at Belk.com.

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Name the Charlotte Knights Dance Team

UPDATE 4/12/13: The dance team has been named The KnightinGals (video).

For the first time ever, the Charlotte Knights have a dance team (cheerleaders). The group of ladies debuted last weekend during the Triple-A baseball team's annual fan event, Knights Fest. Now, team officials are asking you to name the dance team.

To help with your brainstorming, consider the names of Charlotte's other professional sports dance teams/cheerleaders. The Carolina Panthers (NFL) have the TopCats; the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) have the LadyCats; and the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) have the CheckMates. Quick side note: someone should organize an annual beauty pageant in which our city's professional cheerleaders compete. I'd pay to see that (swimsuit competition).

The Charlotte Knights dance team. Credit: Facebook

Back to the issue at hand, what do you think the Charlotte Knights dance team should be named? My suggestion is "Ladies of the Knight." Provocative, I know. Well, you're encouraged to email your suggestions to Media Relations Director Tommy Viola at tommyv@charlotteknights.com. Entries must be received by Tuesday, April 9 at 5 p.m. The winning name will be revealed at the Knights' opening day, Thursday, April 11, during the dance team's pre-game performance.

The Knights dance team is scheduled to perform at 11 home games this season:

Thursday, April 11
Saturday, April 20
Saturday, April 27
Saturday, May 11
Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 15
Saturday, June 29
Saturday, July 6
Saturday, July 27
Saturday, August 17
Saturday, August 31

As you likely know, the Knights are currently playing their final season at their stadium in Fort Mill, where they've played since 1990. The team's future home will be in Charlotte proper, when the brand-spanking new BB&T Ballpark opens in Uptown next spring.

For more details on the Knights' 2013 season, visit charlotteknights.com.

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Cam Knows

What do Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and rappers Wiz Khalifa and Cam'ron have in common? They're all named Cameron (Cameron Newton, Cameron Thomaz, and Cameron Giles, respectively). Wiz just released the video for his new song "The Bluff," featuring Cam'ron. In his verse, Cam'ron says: "Put up y'all like we gambling. Next time we out here scrambling. / I'm Killa, he Wiz, but all our checks say Cameron."

Also in the video, Cam'ron takes advantage of his football namesake by wearing a "Cam Knows" Carolina Panthers Nike T-shirt. As for the football Cam, perhaps people are beginning to believe again that he does know, after a great performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the nationally televised game Monday night. This morning, the NFL named Cam Newton NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

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Cam Newton to Launch 'MADE' Clothing Line at Belk

Outside of Carolina Panthers home games, quarterback Cam Newton doesn't make too many public appearances in Charlotte. But he was all the talk this evening--and not about football--as he appeared at the Belk headquarters to announce the launch of his men's clothing line for spring 2013. Titled "MADE," the line will be sold exclusively at Belk, and today's launch event was complete with models, dancers, and an onstage chat with Cam.

Cam Newton has it MADE--modeling pieces from his spring collection. Credit: Belk, Inc.

It makes sense for Belk, the Charlotte-based chain that's the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department store company with 302 stores located in 16 Southern states, to want to partner with one of the NFL's biggest stars who's right here in their hometown. In a press release, Kathryn Bufano, president and merchandising officer for Belk, said, “Cam Newton personifies our company’s dedication to family, community and the Southern lifestyle, and therefore is a perfect complement to Belk’s modern Southern fashions.” As I've said repeatedly on this blog, Cam has quickly become one of the most marketable, highly endorsed athletes in all of sports.

But many people will question and criticize the timing of Cam's decision to launch a clothing line--plenty made such remarks on Twitter as word spread this evening--considering his lackluster play this season, which has the Panthers off to a 1-4 start. I'm sure this announcement was months in the works, and Cam wouldn't have anticipated his team playing so poorly come October--and him being scheduled to attend a fashion press conference, of all things, the day after a devastating home loss.

Cam joining Belk executives on stage at Monday's press conference. Credit: @ESPortillo.

But Cam would've been wiser to have waited a year before tackling an endeavor that gives critics the ammunition to say he's too concerned with being flashy and being a superstar--his Superman touchdown pose that was heralded during his rookie year, has come under scrutiny this season. If for nothing else, Cam should've gotten through his second season, proven that he wasn't going to have a sophomore slump, finish the season with a winning, or at least .500, record, and then do all of this clothing line business next fall.

But then again, why not strike while the iron is hot? I truly believe he's going to be a great player in this league for the next decade-plus, but if he does indeed suffer a full-on sophomore slump this season, there's no guarantee his name and likeness will be in such high demand a year from now.

Cool logo for MADE. Credit: Belk, Inc.

MADE, his clothing line, is described as "fashion-forward, versatile, professional apparel options for men." It's launching in spring 2013, and in fall 2013 it will expand to include accessories and shoes. Cam has proven himself to be a stylish dresser so I would expect high standards from a clothing line bearing his name.

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Cam Newton's 'This Is SportsCenter' Commercial

The "This Is SportsCenter" commercials by ESPN have been some of the best television show promos over the past decade (check out one guy's compilation of more than two dozen). The newest 30-second spot, released yesterday, features Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. It's okay, but I would've liked to have seen something funnier, more creative.

It's been three years since a Panthers player has been featured in a SportsCenter commercial, which was wide receiver Steve Smith in 2009. I really liked his.

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