Ex-NFL star admonishes college football teams involved in raucous melee

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Former NFL star Cam Newton had a message for the Grambling State and Bethune-Cookman college football programs in the latest episode of his podcast after a brawl occurred among players from each team over the weekend.

The halftime melee resulted in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) handing out suspensions for 27 players, including three who were suspended for two games. Each program received thousands of dollars in fines as well.

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Then-Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks on 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 fighting that occurred on the field.

"I despise the actions … I am extremely displeased with what took place. Why? It’s because make no mistake about it — I've spoken at length about equal opportunity," Newton said. "We are sitting up here trying to get more access, more visibility, to amplify the platform of HBCUs. No matter if you in the MEAC, the SWAC, the SIAC, the 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 brawl took place on a major network that aired college football games and what the conversation would be around HBCU programs.

He added that, overall, the image was damaged as schools are trying to grow in terms of name, image and likeness deals and looking for sponsors.

Former NFL quarterback